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ControlsDriving
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only 
when they will result in a plausible combination 
of engine and vehicle speed; thus, for example, 
a downshift that would cause the engine to 
overrev will not be exec uted by the system.
The gear selected is briefly displayed in the 
instrument cluster, followed again by the gear 
actually in use.
Overriding selector lever lock
Should the selector lever  refuse to move out of 
position P even though the ignition is switched 
on, the brake is depressed and the button on 
the selector lever is pre ssed, the selector lever 
lock can be overridden:
1. Switch off ignition.
2. Unclip the sleeve of the selector lever.
3. Pull the sleeve up over  the selector lever 
until the sleeve is inside out.
4. Using the screwdriver from the onboard 
vehicle tool kit, refer to page 270, press the 
red lever and with the button pressed, 
simultaneously move th e selector lever to 
the desired position.
7-gear Spor t automatic 
transmission with double 
clutch
The concept
The 7-gear Sport automa tic transmission with 
double clutch is an automated manual trans-
mission with two clutches and secondary gear  sets in which the clutch
ing and shifting is han-
dled by an electrohydraulic system.
With the 7-gear Sport automatic transmission 
with double clutch, the gears are shifted without 
an interruption in driving power.
You operate the 7-gear Sport automatic trans-
mission with double clutch using the selector 
lever and two shift paddles on the steering 
wheel.
It offers you the following functions:
> Either manual or au tomatic mode: sequen-
tial mode or drive mode
> Automatic downshifting and protection 
against incorrect gear selection, even in 
sequential mode
> Acceleration assistan t, Launch Control, 
refer to page 70
> Automatic intermediate  throttle application
System limitations
The 7-gear Sport automatic transmission with 
double clutch has an overheating protection 
that protects the clutch from extreme loads.
The indicator lamp lights up in yellow if 
the transmission becomes too warm. 
Avoid high engine loads and frequent 
accelerations from zero. If the transmission is 
overheated, the indicator lamp lights up in red 
and the power flow to the  motor is interrupted. It 
is only possible to continue driving once the 
transmission has cooled down.
Avoid frequent powerful accelerations from 
zero and do not hold the  vehicle on inclines by 
pressing lightly on the  accelerator while letting 
the clutch slip, as this may cause the transmis-
sion to overheat.
Selector lever positions
P R N D M/S + –
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ControlsDriving
D Drive mode
In Drive mode, all forward gears are shifted 
automatically.
Kickdown
For sudden acceleration maneuvers such as 
passing, depress the accelerator past the resis-
tance point. This prov ides maximum accelera-
tion.
Sport program and 
manual mode M/S
Push selector lever towa rd the left from the 
selector lever position D, the Sport program is 
activated. This position is recommended for a 
performance-oriented driving style.
The engaged gear, e.g. S1, is displayed in the 
instrument cluster.
When you press the selector lever forwards or 
backwards, the manual mode is activated and 
Steptronic changes gear. 
The engaged gear, e.g. M1 is displayed in the 
instrument cluster.
In the following situat ions, the 7-gear Sport 
automatic transmission with double clutch 
does the thinking for you:
> Upshifts and downshifts are executed only 
when they will result in a plausible combina-
tion of engine and vehicle speed; thus, for 
example, a downshift that could cause the 
engine to overrev will not be executed by 
the system. >
At a stop, the transmission is automatically 
shifted down to the first gear.
> Shortly before the spee d falls below a gear-
dependent minimum speed, the transmis-
sion automatically down shifts without your 
intervention.
Quick downshifting: even in sequential mode, 
you can skip over several gears in order to 
achieve an optimum acceleration. To do so, 
depress the accelerator past the resistance 
point.
To return to automatic  mode, push the selector 
lever to the right.
Gear shifting
Upshift or downshift usin g the selector lever or 
the shift paddles. You do  not need to lift your 
foot off the accelerator when doing so.
Using the selector lever
> To upshift, pull the sele ctor lever toward the 
rear.
> To downshift, push it toward the front.
Using the shift paddl es on the steering 
wheel
You can also shift manua lly using two shift pad-
dles on the steering wheel. The shift paddles 
allow you to shift gear s quickly since both 
hands can remain on the steering wheel.
> When you use the shift paddles on the 
steering wheel to shift gears in automatic 
mode, the transmission switches to manual 
mode.
> If you do not accelerate or shift gears using 
the shift paddles for a certain amount of 
time, the transmission switches back to 
automatic mode if the  selector lever is in 
position D.
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ControlsDriving
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 
reduced by  up to  5 mph o r 10 km/h until the  
minimum speed of 20 mph or 30 km/h is 
achieved.
The system stores and maintains the speed.
Deactivating cruise control
Briefly press the lever upwards or downwards, 
arrow 3. 
The displays on the speedometer disappear.
In addition, the system is automatically deacti-
vated:
> When the brakes are applied.
> When the manual transmission is shifted 
very slowly or shifted into neutral.
> When the automatic transmission selector 
lever is moved into  the neutral position.
> When the selector lever of the Sports auto-
matic transmission with double clutch is 
moved into the neutral position.
> When DTC is activate d or DSC is deacti-
vated.
> When DSC or ABS is intervening. Cruise control is not deactivated by depressing 
the accelerator pedal. 
Once the accelerator 
pedal is released, the st ored speed is achieved 
again and maintained.
Warning lamp
The warning lamp lights up when 
cruise control is deactivated due to 
control intervention by the DSC, for 
example. A message appears on the Control 
Display.
Resuming a previously stored speed
Press the button, arrow 4. 
The last stored speed is resumed and main-
tained.
In the following instance s, 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 Sport 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 speed
2 Selected speed is displayed briefly
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Driving
Controls
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 
page 93.<
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up. A mes-
sage appears on th e Control Display. 
The cruise control is malfunctioning. 
You can continue your journey. Have the sys-
tem checked.
Active Cruise Control
The concept
With Active Cruise Cont rol, you can select a 
desired speed which is  not only automatically 
maintained when driving on open roadways, but 
also varied to maintain a selected distance set-
ting as slower traffic is encountered.
Active Cruise Control is a technological 
advance over the familiar cruise control and is a 
welcome relief from the constant adjustment of 
speed that can accompany  driving in traffic on 
highways or other high -speed thoroughfares. 
Especially on longer trips, the system can 
reduce fatigue and tension, while increasing 
your enjoyment of driving. Please use it safely 
and responsibly.
Within the limits of its capability, the system 
automatically adap ts the car's speed to that of a 
slower vehicle in front of you. You can specify 
the distance to be main tained from the vehicle 
in front in four stages. For safety reasons, the 
distance is speed-dependent. Based on your 
selected distance setti ng, the system automat-
ically decreases the thro ttle setting and lightly 
applies the brakes if necessary. The vehicle 
brake lamps will automatically illuminate to sig-
nal a following driver to  take action. In addition, 
it may be necessary for the vehicle or the driver 
to downshift, depending  on the kind of trans- mission your vehicle is equipped with, to main-
tain the distance setting 
selected. If the vehicle 
ahead speeds up or when the lane ahead 
becomes clear, your vehi cle will accelerate to 
the speed you have selected by increasing the 
throttle setting and shifting gears automatically 
or by the driver as needed. Your selected speed 
will be held when driving downhill, too.
Since this Active Cruise Control system is a 
new technology and operates differently from 
conventional cruise co ntrol systems which you 
may be accustomed to, you are strongly urged 
to read all of the pages  relating to this system 
before use. Pay special  attention to the System 
limitations section beginning on page 80.
Braking sensation
>If you step on the brake pedal while the sys-
tem is braking, peda l sensation will be 
slightly different from the usual.
> Possible noises during automatic braking 
are normal.
Manual transmission
You can shift gears while  cruise control is acti-
vated. The system is deactivated when you 
drive at very low engine speeds for an extended 
period.
Range of applications
The minimum desired speed is 20 mph or 
30 km/h, the maximum desired speed is 
110 mph or 180 km/h.
As with conventional cruise control sys-
tems, Active Cruise  Control in no way 
diminishes or substitutes for the driver’s own 
personal responsibility,  alertness and aware-
ness in adjusting speed, braking or otherwise 
controlling the vehicle. The driver should 
decide when to use the system on the basis of 
road, traffic, visibility, and weather conditions. 
Active Cruise Control is  intended for use on 
highway-type roadways where traffic is moving 
relatively smoothly. Do  not use this system in 
city driving; heavy traffic such as during rush 
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Driving
Controls
Selecting distance
>
Press downward: 
Increase distance.
> Press upward: 
Decrease distance.
The selected distance is  displayed in the instru-
ment cluster.
Use good judgment to select the appro-
priate following distance given road con-
ditions, traffic, applicable laws and driving rec-
ommendations for safe  following distance. 
Otherwise, an accident risk could result.<
Deactivating cruise control
Press the lever upward or downward, arrow 3. 
The displays on the speedometer disappear.
In addition, the system  is automatically deacti-
vated:
> When the brakes are applied.
> The speed is reduced to below 20 mph or 
30 km/h due to a traffic situation.
> When the manual transmission is shifted 
very slowly or shifted into neutral.
> When the automatic transmission selector 
lever is moved into  the neutral position.
> When the selector lever of the Sports auto-
matic transmission with double clutch is 
moved into the neutral position.
> When Dynamic Traction Control DTC is 
activated.
> When Dynamic Stability Control DSC is 
deactivated.
> When DSC or ABS is intervening.
> The system does not recognize any objects 
for a longer time, e. g. on infrequently trav-
eled roads without a shoulder or guard rails, 
or if the radar sensor  is covered with dirt, 
refer to page 78.
> The parking brake is engaged.
When the system is deactivated, you 
must brake the vehicle yourself and/or 
maneuver as necessary; otherwise, there is a 
risk of accidents. <
Distance 1
Distance 2
Distance 3
Distance 4
This is always the preset dis-
tance when you use the system 
for the first time after starting the 
engine.
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ControlsDriving
Warning lamp
The warning lamp lights up when 
Active Cruise Co ntrol has been 
automatically deactivated, for exam-
ple 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 th e button, arrow 4 . 
The stored speed and distance are regained 
and maintained.
In the following instance s, 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 automati c transmission: when 
you engage selector lever position N.
> In cars with Sport 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
2 Shows 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 3
Selected distance to vehicle ahead
The indicator lights up  as soon as the sys-
tem is activated.
4 Selected 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 page 93.<
Warning lamps
The indicator 2 flashes in red; a 
signal sounds. 
The system indicates that you 
must brake and/or maneuver the 
vehicle yourself. Active Cruise 
Control cannot automati cally restore the dis-
tance 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 Con-
trol is deactivated. Yo u can reactivate the sys-
tem, if desired, by briefly pressing or pulling the 
lever when road and traffic conditions permit. It 
is not possible 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, 
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ControlsTechnology for driving comfort and safety
Technology for driving comfort and safety
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all pr oduction, country, and 
optional equipment that is offered in the model 
range is described. For this reason, descrip-
tions will be given of some equipment that may 
not be available in a vehi cle, for example due to 
the special options or  national-market version 
selected. This also app lies to safety related 
functions and systems.
Park Distance Control PDC
The concept
The PDC assists you with maneuvering in tight 
parking spaces. Acoustic signals and a visual 
indicator warn you of the presence of an object 
in front of or behind your vehicle. To measure 
the distance, there are four ultrasonic sensors 
in either bumper.
These sensors have a range of approx. 6.5 ft/
2 m. However, an acoustic warning does not 
sound until an object  is approx. 24 in/60 cm 
from the front sensors and rear corner sensors, 
or approx. 5 ft/1.50 m from the rear center sen-
sors.
PDC is a parking aid that can indicate 
objects when they are approached 
slowly, as is usually th e case when parking. 
Avoid approaching an object at high speed; oth-
erwise, physical circumstances may lead to the 
system warning being issued too late. <
Switching on automatically
With the engine running or the ignition switched 
on, the system is activated after approx. one 
second when you shift into reverse or move the 
automatic transmission selector lever to 
position R. Wait this short period before driving.
Switching off automatically
After approx. 55 yd/50 m of driving or above 
approx. 20 mph/approx. 30 km/h, the system 
switches off and the LED goes out.
Switching on manually
When parking in the forward direction, the sen-
sors must be switched  on manually to enable 
them to signal an approach to an object in front 
of or behind the vehicle.
Press the button; the LED lights up.
Switching off manually
Press the button again; the LED goes out.
Signal tones
When nearing an object, its position is indicated 
correspondingly by an interval tone. For exam-
ple, if an object is dete cted behind the vehicle, 
the signal tone sounds from the rear. As the dis-
tance between vehicle an d object decreases, 
the intervals betwee n the tones become 
shorter. If the distance  to the nearest object 
falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm, then a contin-
uous tone sounds.
An interval tone is interrupted after approx. 
3seconds
> If you remain in front of an object that has 
been detected by only one of the corner 
sensors
> If you are driving parallel to a wall.
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Technology for driving comfort and safety
Controls
xDrive
xDrive is your BMW's fo
ur-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.
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 fast er 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 de creasing 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 by using the lever  of the cruise control.
1 To increase speed
2 To 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 de activated 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
1 Display for target speed
2 HDC display
Malfunction
The HDC display disappears during HDC oper-
ation, or does not appear:
HDC is temporarily unav ailable due to exces-
sive brake temperature, or DSC has failed.
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