
26
At a glanceVoice activation system
Having the possible commands read 
aloud
To have the available commands read aloud:
For example, if the "Settings" menu is dis-
played, the commands relating to settings are 
read aloud.
Performing functions using short 
commands
Functions from the main menu can be per-
formed directly by means of short commands, 
essentially regardless of  which menu item is 
selected, e.g. { Vehicle status}.
List of short command of the voice activation 
system, refer to page 290.
Help dialog for voice activation system
Accessing help:
Other commands for the help dialog:
>{Help with examples }: information about 
the current control options and the most 
important commands relating to them are 
read aloud.
> {Help with voice activation }: information 
about the principle operation of the voice 
activation system is read aloud.
Example: playing back a CD
1. If necessary, switch on entertainment audio 
output.
2. Press the  button on the steering wheel.
4. Press the  button on the steering wheel.
Setting the voice dialog
You can set whether the system uses the stan-
dard dialog or a short version.
In the short version of  the voice dialog, the 
responses from the system are given in abbre-
viated form.
On the Control Display:
1. "Settings"
2. "Language/Units"
3. "Speech mode:"
4. Select a setting.
Adjusting volume
Turn the volume knob during the spoken 
instruction to select the desired volume.
>The volume remains the same, even if the 
volume of other audio sources is changed.
> The volume is stored for the remote control 
currently in use.
Notes on Emergency 
Requests
Do not use the voice activation system to ini-
tiate an Emergency Request. In stressful situa-
tions, the voice and vo cal pitch can change. 
This can unnecessarily  delay the establishment 
of a telephone connection.
Instead, use the SOS  button, refer to page276, 
in the vicinity of the interior rearview mirror.
{
Voice commands }
{ Help }
3. {C D and multimedia }
The system plays the last media played.
5. {C D track … } e.g. CD track 4.
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Opening and closing
Controls
Alarm system
The concept
The vehicle alarm system responds:
>
When a door, the hood or the trunk lid is 
opened
> To movements inside the vehicle: Interior 
motion sensor, refer to page 38
> When the car's inclination changes, for 
instance if an attempt is made to jack it up 
and steal the wheels or to raise it prior to 
towing away
> When there has been an interruption of 
power supply from the battery
The alarm system signals unauthorized entry 
attempts for a short time by means of:
> An acoustic alarm
> Switching on the hazard warning flashers
> Flashing the high beams
Arming and disarming
General information
When you lock or unlock  the vehicle, either with 
the remote control or at  the door lock, the alarm 
system is armed or disarmed at the same time.
Door lock with armed alarm system
In some national-market versions, unlocking via 
the door lock tr iggers the alarm.
To switch off this alarm, unlock the vehicle with 
the remote control or sw itch on the ignition.
Trunk lid with the alarm system armed
The trunk lid can be opened via the remote con-
trol even when the alarm system is armed.
Press the  button on th e remote control for 
approx. 1 second.
The trunk lid is locked and monitored again as 
soon as it is closed.
Panic mode
You can trigger the alarm system if you find 
yourself in a dangerous situation:
Press the  button for at  least three seconds.
To switch off the alarm: press any button.
Switching off an alarm
> Unlock the car with the  remote control, refer 
to page 32.
> Insert the remote contro l all the way into the 
ignition lock.
Indicator lamp on inside mirror
> The indicator lamp fl ashes continuously:
The system is armed.
> The indicator lamp flashes after locking:
The doors, hood, or trunk lid are not prop-
erly closed, the remaining components are 
secured.
Then the indicator lamp flashes continu-
ously after approx. 10 seconds. The interior 
motion sensor and tilt  sensor are not active.
> The indicator lamp goes out after unlocking:
The vehicle has not been tampered with.
> If the indicator lamp flashes after unlocking 
until the remote contro l is inserted in the 
ignition, but for no longer than approx. 
5minutes: 
The vehicle has been tampered with.
Tilt alarm sensor
The tilt of the vehicle is monitored. The alarm 
system reacts, e.g. to attempts to steal a wheel 
or tow the vehicle.
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65
Driving
Controls
R Reverse
Select this only when th
e vehicle is stationary.
N Neutral
You can select this in a car wash, for example. 
The vehicle can roll.
D Drive, automatic position
Position for normal vehicle operation. All for-
ward gears are selected automatically.
Under normal operating conditions, fuel con-
sumption is lowest when you are driving in posi-
tion D.
Kickdown
Kickdown enables you to achieve maximum 
performance. 
Press the accelerator  pedal beyond the full-
throttle resistance point.
Sport program and manual mode M/S
Move selector lever from position D toward the 
left into the M/S shifting slot; the Sport program 
is activated. This positi on is recommended for a 
performance-oriented driving style.
DS is displayed in the instrument cluster.
To deactivate the spor t program or manual 
mode M/S, move the sele ctor lever to the right 
into position D.
Shifting gears via the selector lever
Move selector lever from position D toward the 
left into the M/S shifting slot: 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.
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 executed by the system.
The gear selected is br iefly displayed in the 
instrument cluster, follo wed again by the gear 
actually in use.
Changing gears using shifting paddles 
on steering wheel
The shift paddles allow you to shift gears 
quickly since both hand s 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 the M/S gear 
plane, manual mode remains active. <
> To upshift, briefly pull the right shift 
paddle +.
> To downshift, briefly  pull the left shift pad-
dle –.
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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
hour; on curvy, winding ro ads, slippery roads or 
roads with sharp curves such as highway off-
ramps; during inclement weather such as snow, 
strong rain or fog; or when entering inter-
changes, service/parkin g areas or toll booths. 
It is also important to regulate your vehicle's 
speed and distance setting within applicable 
legal limits. Always be ready to take action or 
apply the brakes if necessary, especially when 
the system is actively fo llowing a vehicle in front 
of you. Otherwise, driving situations could 
result that pose the risk of accidents. <
One lever for all functions
1Store and increase desired speed
2 Store and decrease desired speed
3 Deactivate system, refer to page 77
4 Resume stored desired speed and dis-
tance, refer to page 78
5 Select distance to vehicle driving ahead, 
refer to page 77
Storing current speed
Briefly press the lever, arrow 1, or pull the lever, 
arrow 2, at a driving speed of more than approx. 
20 mph or 30 km/h. The car's current speed is stored. It is displayed 
on the speedometer and briefly in the instru-
ment cluster.
Increasing desired speed
Press or briefly press the lever to the resistance 
point or beyond, arrow
1, until the desired 
speed is displayed.
> Each time the lever is  briefly pressed to the 
resistance point, the desired speed is 
increased by approx. 1 mph or 1 km/h.
> Each time the lever is briefly pressed 
beyond the resistance point, the desired 
speed is increased by up to 5 mph or 
10 km/h until the maximum speed of 
110 mph or 180 km/h is achieved.
The speed then displayed is stored and 
achieved on a clear road.
Decreasing de sired speed
Pull the lever, arrow  2, until the desired speed is 
displayed.
The other functions work  analogously to those 
described under Increasing desired speed.
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ControlsTechnology for driving comfort and safety
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. Ot herwise, the drive-off 
assistant will no longer hold the car in place 
after approx. 2 seconds and the car will start to 
roll backwards. <
Flat Tire Monitor FTM
The concept
The system does not measure the actual infla-
tion pressure in the tires.
The system detects a pressure loss in a tire by 
comparing the rotational speeds of the individ-
ual wheels while moving.
In the event of a pressure loss, the diameter and 
therefore the rotational speed of the corre-
sponding wheel change.  This is detected and 
reported as a flat tire.
Functional requirement
The system must have be en initialized while the 
tire inflation pressure  was correct; otherwise, 
reliable signaling of a flat tire is not ensured.
Each time a tire inflation pressure has been cor-
rected or a wheel or tire has been changed, 
reinitialize the system.
System limitations
Sudden serious tire damage caused by 
external influences cannot be indicated in 
advance.<
A natural, steady pressure  loss in all four tires is 
not detected. Therefore, check the tire inflation 
pressure regularly.
In the following situatio ns, the system could be 
delayed or malfunction:
> System has not been initialized
> Driving on snowy or slippery road surface
> Performance-oriented style of driving: slip 
in the drive wheels, hi gh lateral acceleration
> Snow chains are attached
Status display
The current status of the Flat Tire Monitor can 
be displayed on the Control Display, e.g. 
whether or not the FTM is active.
1."Vehicle Info"
2. "Vehicle status"
3. "Flat Tire Monitor"
The status is displayed.
Initialization
The initialization process adopts the set infla-
tion tire pressures as  reference values for the 
detection of a flat tire. Initialization is started by 
confirming the inflation pressures.
Do not initialize the syst em when driving with 
snow chains.
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101
Technology for driving comfort and safety
Controls
1.
"Vehicle Info"
2. "Vehicle status"
3. "Reset"
4. Start the engine – do not drive away.
5. Start the initialization  by selecting "Reset".
6. Start driving.
The initialization is completed during driv-
ing, which can be interrupted at any time. 
When driving resumes, the initialization is con-
tinued automatically. <
Indication of a flat tire
The warning lamps light up in yellow 
and red. A message appears on the 
Control Display. In addition, an 
acoustic signal sounds. There is a flat 
tire or a major loss in tire pressure.
1. Reduce speed and stop the vehicle with 
caution. Avoid sudden  braking and steering 
maneuvers.
If the vehicle is not equipped with run-flat 
tires, do not continue driving; continuing 
to drive can result in serious accidents.<
When a flat tire is reported, the Dynamic Stabil-
ity Control DSC is activated.
Actions in the event of a flat tire
Run-flat tires
With a damaged tire, is  possible to continue 
driving at speeds of up to 50 mph/80 km/h.
When driving with a damaged tire: 1.
Avoid sudden braking and steering maneu-
vers.
2. Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
3. At the next opportunity, check the inflation 
pressure in all four tires.
If the inflation pressure in all four tires is cor-
rect, the Flat Tire Monitor might not have 
been initialized. The system must then be 
initialized.
Possible driving distance with complete loss of 
tire pressure:
The distance it is possible  to drive with a flat tire 
depends on the load and the stress on the vehi-
cle while driving.
With an average load, it  may be possible to drive 
for approx. 50 miles/80 km.
When driving with damaged tires, the handling 
characteristics change, e. g. the vehicle will skid 
sooner when braking, braking distances will be 
longer, or self-steerin g response will change. 
Adapt your driving style accordingly. Avoid 
turning abruptly and driving over obstacles 
such as curbs, potholes, etc.
Since the possible drivin g distance depends to 
a considerable degree on the strain exerted on 
the vehicle while driving,  it can be shorter or, 
with a gentle driving style, can also be longer, 
depending on the speed, road condition, out-
side temperature, vehicle load, etc.
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a 
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
When there is a tire pr essure loss, the handling 
characteristics change, e.g. there will be 
reduced directional stability during braking, 
braking distances will be longer, and self-steer-
ing response will change. <
Vibrations or loud noises while driving can 
indicate final failure  of the tire. Reduce 
your speed and bring the  vehicle to a stop; oth-
erwise, tire compon ents may become 
detached, which could result in an accident. Do 
not continue driving; instead, contact your 
BMW center. <
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ControlsTechnology for driving comfort and safety
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM
The concept
Check the inflation pressure  in the four installed 
tires. The system notifies you if there is a signif-
icant loss of pressure in one or more tires.
Functional requirement
The system must have been reset while the 
inflation pressure was correct; otherwise, reli-
able signaling of a flat tire is not ensured. 
Always use wheels with TPM electronics to 
ensure that the system will operate properly. 
Each time a tire inflation pressure has been cor-
rected or a wheel or tire has been changed, 
reset the system.
System limitations
Sudden serious tire damage caused by 
external influences cannot be indicated in 
advance. <
The system does not function correctly if it has 
not been reset. For example, a flat tire may be 
indicated even though th e tire inflation pres-
sures are correct.
The system is inactive an d cannot indicate a flat 
tire:
> When a wheel without TPM electronics is 
installed.
> Interference with TPM by other systems or 
devices with the same transmission fre-
quency.
Status display
The current status of the Tire Pressure Monitor 
TPM can be displayed on  the Control Display, 
e.g., whether or not the TPM is active.
1. "Vehicle Info"
2. "Vehicle status" 3.
"Tire Pressure Monitor - TPM"
The status is displayed.
Status indicator on the Control Display
The color of the tires represents the status of 
the tires and the system.
A change in the tire in flation pressure during 
driving is taken into account.
A correction is only requ ired when this is indi-
cated by the TPM.
Green wheels
The inflation pressure corresponds to the 
desired state.
"TPM active" appears in the Control Display.
One wheel yellow
There is a flat tire or substantial loss of tire pres-
sure in the indicated tire.
All wheels yellow
> There is a flat tire or  substantial loss of tire 
pressure in several tires.
> The system was not reset after a wheel 
change and thus issues a warning based on 
the inflation pressure s initialized last.
Gray wheels
The system cannot de tect a puncture.
Reasons for this may be:
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