
Controls
 67Reference
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Mobility
One lever for all functions
1Storing and maintaining speed or accelerat-
ing
2Storing and maintaining speed or deceler-
ating
3Deactivating cruise control
4Resuming a speed stored beforehand
Maintaining current speed
Tap the lever, arrow 1, or pull it briefly, arrow 2.
The car's current speed is stored and main-
tained. It is displayed on the speedometer and 
briefly in the instrument cluster.
On uphill gradients, it may prove impossible to 
maintain the set speed if current engine power 
output is insufficient. If the engine braking 
effect is insufficient on downhill slopes, the sys-
tem will brake the vehicle slightly.
Increasing desired speed
Repeatedly press the lever to the resistance 
point or beyond, arrow1, until the desired 
speed is reached.
>Each time the lever is pressed to the resis-
tance point, the desired speed is increased 
by approx. 1 mph or 1 km/h.
>Each time the lever is pressed beyond the 
resistance point, the desired speed is 
increased by up to 5 mph or 10 km/h.
The system stores and maintains the speed.
Accelerating using the lever
Accelerating slightly:
Press the lever to the resistance point, arrow 1, 
until the desired speed is reached.
Accelerating significantly:
Press the lever beyond the resistance point, 
arrow 1, until the desired speed is reached.
The vehicle accelerates without pressure on 
the accelerator pedal. The system stores and 
maintains the speed.
Decreasing speed
Repeatedly pull the lever to the resistance point 
or beyond, arrow 2, until the desired speed is 
displayed.
>Each time the lever is pulled to the resis-
tance point, the desired speed is decreased 
by approx. 1 mph or 1 km/h.
>Each time the lever is pulled beyond the 
resistance point, the desired speed is 
re duc e d by up to 5 mph or 10 k m/h until the 
minimum speed of 20 mph or 30 km/h is 
achieved.
The system stores and maintains the speed.
Deactivating cruise control
Tap the lever upwards or downwards, arrow3. 
The displays on the speedometer disappear.
In addition, the system is automatically 
deactivated:
>When you brake the vehicle
>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 select the neutral position N with 
the Sports automatic transmission with 
double clutch
>When you activate DTC or deactivate DSC
>When DSC or ABS is intervening
Cruise control is not deactivated by depressing 
the accelerator pedal. Once the accelerator 
pedal is released, the stored speed is achieved 
again and maintained. 

Controls
 71Reference
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Mobility
>When you select the automatic transmis-
sion's neutral position N
>When you select the neutral position N with 
the Sports automatic transmission with 
double clutch
>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 page72
>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>In cars with Sports automatic transmission 
with double clutch: when you engage selec-
tor 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 page85.< 

Driving
72
Warning lamps
The indicator2 flashes in red; a 
signal sounds. 
The system indicates that you 
must brake and/or maneuver the 
vehicle yourself. Active cruise con-
trol cannot automatically restore the distance to 
the vehicle ahead. 
This indicator does not release you from your 
responsibility to adapt your desired speed and 
driving style to prevailing driving conditions.
The indicator 2 flashes in yellow. 
The prerequisites for operating 
active cruise control are not met, 
e.g. as a result of ABS or DSC 
interventions. Active cruise control 
is deactivated. You can reactivate the system, if 
desired, by tapping or pulling the lever when 
road and traffic conditions permit. It is not pos-
sible to resume a stored speed.
Radar sensor
The sensor's ability to detect vehicles ahead 
may be restricted as a result of heavy rain, dirt, 
snow or ice. If necessary, clean the radar sensor 
located in the front bumper, see arrow. Be sure 
to use particular care when removing any layers 
of snow or ice from the sensor.
The system cannot be activated if the sensor is 
incorrectly aligned.
For US owners only
The transmitter and receiver units comply with 
part 15 of the FCC/Federal Communications 
Commission regulations. Operation is gov-
erned by the following:FCC ID:
NF3 ACC2SCU 003YK04001 0000
Compliance statement:
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC 
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two 
conditions:
>This device must not cause harmful inter-
ference, and
>this device must accept any interference 
received, including interference that may 
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modifications or 
changes to these devices could void the 
user’s authority to operate this equipment.<
Malfunction
The warning lamp comes on when 
the system has failed. A message 
appears on the Control Display. More 
information can be found beginning on 
page84. 

Controls
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Mobility
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.
Manual operation*
The LED above the button also flashes.
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, 
t h i n  o r  w e d g e - s h a p e d  o b j e c t s ,  e t c .  L o w  o b j e c t s  
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 
can drown out the PDC signal. Therefore, 
always drive cautiously; otherwise, there is a 
risk of personal injury or property damage.<
Driving stability control 
systems
Your BMW has a number of systems that help 
to maintain the vehicle's stability even in 
adverse driving 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. Braking safely, refer to page128.
Electronic brake-force 
distribution EBV
The system controls the brake pressure in the 
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
Dynamic Brake Control DBC
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system 
automatically produces the maximum braking 
force boost and thus helps to achieve the short-
est possible braking distance during full brak-
ing. This system exploits all of the benefits pro-
vided by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake for the 
duration of the full braking application.
Dynamic Stability Control DSC
DSC prevents the driving wheels from losing 
traction when you pull away from rest or accel-
erate. The system also recognizes unstable 
driving conditions, for example if the rear of the 
car is about to swerve or if momentum is acting 
at an angle past the front wheels. In these 
cases, DSC helps the vehicle maintain a safe 
course within physical limits by reducing engine 
output and through braking actions at 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 reduce the additional 
s a f e t y  m a r g i n  a g a i n  b y  t a k i n g  r i s k s ,  a s  t h i s  c o u l d  
result in an accident.< 

Things to remember when driving
128
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 assis-
tant, refer to page92.
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.
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.
Sports automatic transmission with dou-
ble clutch: never drive with the transmis-
sion in neutral or with the engine switched off; 
otherwise, there will be no engine braking 
action and no power assistance to the brakes 
and steering.
Manual transmission: never drive with the 
clutch held down, with the transmission in neu-
tral 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.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally, 
during extended periods when the vehicle is not 
used at all, and in operating conditions where 
brake applications are less frequent, there is an 
increased tendency for corrosion to form on 
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the 
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum 
pressure which must be exerted by the pads 
during brake applications to clean the rotors is 
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the 
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating 
effect that even extended application will fail to 
cure.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms while the automatic cli-
mate control is in operation, and then exits 
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water 
under the vehicle are therefore normal. 

Wheels and tires
220
Tire age
For various reasons, such as the development 
of brittleness, BMW recommends tire replace-
ment after no more than 6 years, regardless of 
the actual wear of the tires.
The manufacturing date of tires is contained in 
the tire coding: 
DOT ... 1010 means that the tire was manufac-
tured in week 10 of 2010.
Run-flat tires
The symbol identifying run-flat tires is a circle 
with the letters RSC on the sidewall. 
Run-flat tires comprise a conditionally self-sup-
porting tire and a special rim. The reinforce-
ment in the sidewalls ensures that the tire can 
continue to be used subject to certain restric-
tions, even if depressurized.
For information on continuing to drive with a flat 
tire, refer to Indication of a flat tire, page93.
New wheels and tires
Have new wheels and tires installed only 
by your BMW center or tire shop that 
works according to BMW repair procedures 
with correspondingly trained personnel. If this 
work is not carried out properly, there is a dan-
ger of subsequent damage and related safety 
hazards. Make sure that the new wheels are bal-
anced.<
Retreaded tires
BMW recommends that you do not use 
retreaded tires, since driving safety may 
be impaired. The causes for this include poten-
tially different tire casing structures and often 
wide variations in tire age, which can result in a 
limited service life.<
Correct wheels and tires
When mounting new tires or changing over 
from summer to winter tires and vice versa, 
mount run-flat tires for your own safety. In the 
event of a flat, no spare wheel is available. Your 
BMW center will be glad to advise you.
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, which could 
lead to body contact and thus to severe acci-
dents. If non-approved wheels and tires are 
used, BMW cannot evaluate their suitability, 
and therefore cannot guarantee their driving 
safety.<
You can inquire about the right wheel/tire com-
bination at your BMW center.
The correct combination of wheels and tires is 
also necessary to ensure reliable operation of 
various vehicle systems such as ABS, DSC or 
FTM.
To maintain good handling and vehicle 
response, use only tires of a single brand and 
tread configuration. After a tire has been dam-
aged, mount the previous wheel and tire combi-
nation again as soon as possible.
Wheels with Tire Pressure Monitor 
TPM electronics
When mounting new tires or changing over 
from summer to winter tires, or vice versa, only 
use wheels with TPM electronics; otherwise, 
the Tire Pressure Monitor may not be able to 
detect a puncture, refer to page94. Your 
BMW center will be glad to advise you. 

Mobility
 239Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
First aid pouch*
Some of the articles contained in the first aid 
pouch have a limited service life. Therefore, 
check the expiration dates of the contents reg-
ularly and replace any items in good time, if nec-
essary.
Coupe
The first aid pouch is located on the right-hand 
side of the cargo area in a storage area.
Convertible
The first aid pouch is located in a compartment 
under the front passenger seat.
To open: press the button and fold the cover 
down.
To close: fold the cover back up and press it into 
the catch.
Warning triangle*
Coupe
The warning triangle is located on the left-hand 
side of the cargo area. Press the tab to take it 
out.
Convertible
The warning triangle is located in a holder in the 
trunk lid. Press the tabs to take it out.
Jump-starting
If the car's own battery is flat, your BMW's 
engine can be started by connecting two 
jumper cables to another vehicle's battery. 
You can also use the same method to help start 
another vehicle. Only use jumper cables with 
fully-insulated clamp handles.
Do not touch any electrically live parts 
when the engine is running, or a fatal acci-
dent may occur. Carefully adhere to the follow-
ing sequence, both to prevent damage to one or 
both vehicles, and to guard against possible 
personal injuries.< 

Everything from A to Z
258
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake 
System89
ACC, refer to Active cruise 
control68
Acceleration assistant, refer to 
Launch Control64
Accident, refer to Sending an 
Emergency Request238
Activated-charcoal filter for 
automatic climate 
control109
Active Cruise Control
– indicator lamp71
– malfunction72
– selecting distance70
– sensor72
Active cruise control68
Active steering96
Adaptive brake light
– Brake Force Display97
Adaptive light control102
Additives
– coolant226
Address, entering135,141
Address for navigation
– entering135
Adjusting temperature inside 
the car, refer to Automatic 
climate control107
Adjusting the thigh support43
Airbags98
– indicator/warning lamp99
– sitting safely42
Air conditioning mode
– automatic climate 
control107
– ventilation109
Air distribution
– automatic107
Airing, refer to Ventilation109Air pressure, refer to Tire 
inflation pressure208
Air recirculation, refer to 
Recirculated-air mode108
Air supply
– automatic climate 
control107
– ventilation109
Air vents106
Air volume108
AKI, refer to Fuel 
specifications207
Alarm system32
– avoiding unintentional 
alarms33
– interior motion sensor33
– switching off an alarm32
– tilt alarm sensor33
Albums of music 
collection174
ALL program108
All-season tires, refer to 
Winter tires221
All-wheel drive, refer to 
xDrive90
AM, waveband157
Ambient air, refer to 
Recirculated-air mode108
Antenna for mobile phone184
Antifreeze
– coolant226
– washer fluid66
Antilock Brake System 
ABS89
Anti-theft alarm system, refer 
to Alarm system32
Anti-theft system27
Approved axle loads, refer to 
Weights249
Approved gross vehicle 
weight, refer to Weights249
Armrest, refer to Center 
armrest115Arrival time, refer to 
Computer77
Ashtray117
Assist systems, refer to 
Driving stability control89
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control108
Audible instructions, refer to 
Spoken instructions146
Audio154
– controls154
– switching on/off154
– tone control154
– volume154
Audio device, external115
Automatic
– air distribution107
– air volume107
– cruise control66,68
– headlamp control101
Automatic car washes229
Automatic climate control106
Automatic curb monitor50
Automatic high beams and 
low beams, refer to High-
beam assistant103
Automatic recirculated-air 
control AUC108
Automatic Service 
Request202
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic58
– interlock58
– overriding selector lever 
lock59
– shiftlock, refer to Changing 
selector lever position58
– sport program59
– towing
241
– tow-starting241
AUTO program for automatic 
climate control107