
77
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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97
Technology for driving comfort and safety
Controls
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up. A mes-
sage appears on th
e Control Display. 
PDC is malfunctioning. Have the sys-
tem checked.
To avoid this problem, keep the sensors clean 
and free of ice or snow in order to ensure that 
they will continue to op erate 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 to ne 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 limit s that apply to all forms 
of ultrasonic measurement, such as those 
encountered with traile r towbars and hitches, 
thin or wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low objects 
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.
ABS Antilock Brake System
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 page140.
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 pressu re 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 aw ay 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 brakin g actions at the indi-
vidual wheels.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed, 
even with DSC. An appropriate driving 
style always remains th e responsibility of the 
driver. Therefore, do not reduce the additional 
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264
MobilityMaintenance
Maintenance
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.
BMW Maintenance System
The BMW maintenance system advises you of 
necessary maintenance measures and helps 
you maintain the traffic  and operating safety of 
the vehicle.
Condition Based Service CBS
Sensors and special algo rithms take the differ-
ent driving conditions of your BMW into 
account. Condition Based Service uses this to 
determine the current  and future service 
requirements. By letting  you define a service 
and maintenance regimen that reflects your 
own individual requirem ents, the system builds 
the basis for trouble-free driving.
On the Control Display, you can have the 
remaining times or distances for selected main-
tenance tasks and any le gally prescribed dates 
displayed, refer to page 87: >
Engine oil
> Brake pads: separately for front and rear
> Brake fluid
> Vehicle check
> Legally mandated in spections depending 
on local regulations
Service data in the remote control
Your vehicle continuously stores service-
requirement information in the remote control 
while you are driving. Your dealership Service 
Advisor can read out this data from the remote 
control unit, and propose an optimized mainte-
nance approach. Whenever  you take your car in 
for servicing you should therefore give your 
dealership Service Advisor the remote control 
unit that you last used.
Make sure that the da te is always set cor-
rectly, refer to page 91; otherwise, the 
effectiveness of Condition Based Service CBS 
is not assured. <
Service and Warranty Information 
Booklet for US models and Warranty 
and Service Guide Booklet for 
Canadian models
Please consult your Serv ice and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models and Warranty 
and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models 
for additional information on service require-
ments.
BMW recommends that you have service 
and repair operations performed at your 
BMW center. 
Take the time to ensure  that these service pro-
cedures are confirmed by  entries in your vehi-
cle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet 
for US models and Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet for Canadian models. These entries 
verify that your vehicle has received the speci-
fied regular maintenance. <
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266
MobilityCare
Care
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.
Care products
Regular cleaning and care contributes signifi-
cantly to the value re tention of your BMW.
BMW recommends cleaning and caring for your 
vehicle with products that are approved by 
BMW for this purpose.
Your BMW center will be  happy to advise you on 
the products and services available for cleaning 
and caring for your BMW.
Original BMW CareProducts have been 
material-tested, laboratory-checked and 
proven in the field, and offer optimal care and 
protection for your vehicle. <
Do not use cleaners that contain alcohol 
or solvents as these may result in dam-
age.<
Cleaning agents can contain substances 
that are dangerous or hazardous to your 
health. Therefore, follow the warning and safety 
instructions on the packaging. When cleaning 
inside the vehicle, always open the doors or 
windows of the vehicle. In enclosed areas, pro-
vide for sufficient ventilation. Only use products 
designed for cleaning vehicles. <
Exterior care
Washing the vehicle
Especially during the winter months, 
ensure that the vehicle is washed more 
frequently. Heavy soiling an d road salt can lead 
to vehicle damage. <
After washing the vehicle, apply the 
brakes briefly to dry them; otherwise, 
water can reduce braking efficiency over the 
short term and the brake discs can corrode. <
Automatic car washes
Give preference to car washes that use cloth or 
soft brushes in order to avoid paint damage.
Do not use high-pressure car washes; 
otherwise, water may drip into the vehicle 
around the windows. <
Before driving into a car  wash, ensure that it is 
suitable for your BMW. Check the following:
> Dimensions of your vehicle, refer to 
page 285.
> If necessary: fold in the exterior mirrors, 
refer to page 55.
> Maximum permissible tire width.
Avoid car washes with  guide rail heights 
over 4 in/10 cm; otherwise, there is the 
danger of damaging chassis parts. <
Preparations before driv ing into an automatic 
car wash:
> Unscrew the rod antenna.
> Deactivate the rain  sensor to prevent 
undesired wiper operation.
> Remove additional add-on parts, e.g. spoil-
ers or phone antennas, if they could be 
damaged.
> Leave the remote control in the ignition 
lock.
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267
Care
Mobility
Automatic transmission
Before driving into an 
automatic car wash, per-
form the following steps to ensure that the vehi-
cle can roll:
1. Insert the remote cont rol into the ignition 
lock, even with Comfort Access.
2. Move the selector lever to position N.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Switch off the engine.
5. Leave the remote control in the ignition lock 
so that the vehicle can roll.
Sport automatic transmission with 
double clutch
Before driving into an  automatic car wash, per-
form the following steps to ensure that the vehi-
cle can roll:
1. Insert the remote cont rol into the ignition 
lock, even with Comfort Access.
2. Engage transmission position N.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Switch off the engine.
5. Leave the remote control in the ignition lock 
so that the vehicle can roll.
The transmission is switched into position P:
> Automatically after  approx. 30 minutes
> If you remove the infrared remote control 
from the ignition lock
Steam jets/high-pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure 
washers, make sure to maintain sufficient 
distance from the vehicle and do not exceed a 
temperature of 140 7/60 6. 
Insufficient clearance or excessive pressure or 
temperature can lead to component damage or 
water penetration. Follow the operating instruc-
tions of the high-pressure washer. <
When using high-pressure washers, do 
not spray the sensors, e.g. of the Park 
Distance Control, for an extended period and  maintain a distance of at least 1 ft/30 cm from 
them.
<
Manual car wash
When washing the vehicle by hand, use large 
quantities of water an d car shampoo if neces-
sary. Clean the vehicle with a sponge or wash-
ing brush, applying light pressure only.
Before cleaning the windshield, deacti-
vate the rain sensor or switch off the igni-
tion to prevent unintentional activation of the 
wipers. <
Observe local regulations pertaining to 
washing vehicles by hand. <
Headlamps
Do not rub them dry and do not use abrasive or 
corrosive cleaning agents.
Loosen dirt, e.g. insects, with shampoo or 
insect remover and wash away with copious 
quantities of water.
Thaw ice with a windshield deicer and do not 
use an ice scraper.
Windows
Clean the inside and outside surfaces of the 
windows and the mirrors with window cleaner.
Do not clean the mirrors with cleaners 
containing quartz. <
Convertible: retractable hardtop
Proceed as you would in a normal car wash.
When you open a wet hardtop, water 
drops may run into the cargo area. If nec-
essary, remove items from the cargo area 
beforehand to avoid water stains or soiling. <
Paintwork care
Regular care contributes to value retention and 
protects the paintwork against the long-term 
effects of damaging substances.
Region-specific environmental influences can 
damage the vehicle paintwork. Therefore, it is 
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268
MobilityCare
important to adapt the frequency and scope of 
car care accordingly.
Immediately remove aggressive materials such 
as spilled fuel, oil, grease , brake fluid, tree sap or 
bird droppings to prevent damage to the paint-
work.
Repairing paintwork damage
Immediately repair sc ratches or similar 
damage, such as that caused by stones 
hitting the vehicle, where necessary to prevent 
rusting. <
BMW recommends having paintwork damage 
repaired by a professional paint repair work-
shop according to BMW specifications using 
original BMW paint materials.
Preservation
A preservation treatment is necessary when 
water no longer beads  off the clean paintwork 
surface. Only use produc ts for paintwork pres-
ervation that contain carnauba or synthetic 
waxes.
Rubber seals
Treat only with water or rubber care products.
Do not use silicon-con taining care prod-
ucts on rubber seals; otherwise, noise 
and damage could occur. <
Chrome parts
Carefully clean vehicle parts such as the radia-
tor grill, door handles or window frames with 
copious quantities of  water and a shampoo 
additive, especially when roads are treated with 
deicing salt. For additional treatment, use a 
chrome polish.
Light-alloy wheels
For technical reasons, dust is generated during 
braking that is deposited on the light-alloy 
wheels. Remove the dust regularly using acid-
free rim cleaner. Do not use aggressive, acidic, strongly 
alkaline, or abrasive cleaning agents and 
do not use steam jets hotter than of 140 7/
60 6; otherwise, damage may occur. <
Outside sensors/cameras
Keep the sensors and cameras on the 
outside of the vehicle, e.g. those for Park 
Distance Control, clean and free of ice to ensure 
that they remain fully functional. <
Interior care
Upholstery fabrics/cloth trims/
Alcantara fabrics
Vacuum regularly with a vacuum cleaner to 
remove superficial dirt.
To remove severe spots such as stains from 
beverages, use a soft sponge or lint-free 
microfiber cloth and suitable interior cleaners. 
Follow the instructions on the packaging.
Clean the upholstery  down to the seams 
using a sweeping motion. Avoid strong 
rubbing. <
Opened Velcro fasteners on pants or 
other articles of clothing can damage the 
seat covers. Ensure that Velcro fasteners are 
closed. <
Leather/leather trim
The leather used by BM W is a high quality 
natural product. Slight  irregularities in the 
leather are a typical char acteristic of natural 
leather.<
Dust and road grit in the pores and folds of the 
leather have an abrasive effect, leading to 
increased wear and caus ing the leather surface 
to become brittle prematurely. Therefore, fre-
quently clean the leather of dust using a cloth or 
vacuum cleaner.
Clean light-colored leathe r more frequently as 
dust and dirt are more noticeable.
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298
ReferenceEverything from A to Z
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake 
System 97
ACC, refer to Active Cruise  Control 75
Acceleration assistant, refer to  Launch Control 70
Accessories, refer to Vehicle 
equipment 5
Accident, refer to Sending an  Emergency Request 276
Activated-charcoal filter for  automatic climate 
control 120
Active Cruise Control 75
– indicator lamp 78
– malfunction 79
– selecting distance 77
– sensor 78
Active steering 105
Adaptive brake lamp
– Brake Force Display 106
Adaptive Light Control 112
Additives
– coolant 263
– engine oil 262
Address, entering 150,156
Address for navigation
– entering 150
Adjusting temperature inside  the car, refer to Automatic 
climate control 117
Adjusting the thigh support 49
Airbags 107
– indicator/warning lamp 108
– sitting safely 47
Air conditioning mode
– automatic climate  control 117
– ventilation 119 Air distribution
– automatic
118
Airing, refer to Ventilation 119
Air pressure, refer to Tire  inflation pressure 239
Air recirculation, refer to 
Recirculated air mode 118
Air supply
– automatic climate 
control 117
– ventilation 119
Air vents 116
Air volume 118
AKI, refer to Fuel grade 237
Alarm system 37
– avoiding unintentional  alarms 38
– interior motion sensor 38
– switching off an alarm 37
– tilt alarm sensor 37
ALL program 119
All-season tires, refer to  Winter tires 258
All-wheel drive, refer to  xDrive 99
Ambient 
air, refer to 
Recirculated air mode 118
Antifreeze
– coolant 263
– washer fluid 72
Antilock Brake System  ABS 97
Anti-theft alarm system, refer  to Alarm system 37
Appointments, refer to 
Calendar 223
Approved axle loads, refer to  Weights 287
Approved engine oils 262
Approved gross vehicle  weight, refer to Weights 287Apps
232
Armrest, refer to Center  armrest 126
Arrival time, refer to  Computer 84
Ashtray 128
Assist systems, refer to  Driving stability control 97
AUC Automatic recirculated 
air control 118
Audible instructions, refer to  Voice instructions 161
Audio device, external 127
Automatic
– air distribution 118
– air volume 118
– cruise control 73,75
– headlamp control 110
Automatic car washes 266
Automatic climate control 116
Automatic curb monitor 55
Automatic high beams and  low beams, refer to High-
beam Assistant 113
Automatic recirculated air  control AUC 118
Automatic Service  Request 232
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic 64
– interlock 64
– overriding selector lever 
lock 66
– shiftlock, refer to Changing  selector lever position 64
– sport program 65
– towing 279
– tow-starting 279
AUTO program for automatic  climate control 118
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