
100
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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Technology for driving comfort and safety
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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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Technology for driving comfort and safety
Controls
>
TPM is being reset.
> Interference from systems or devices that 
use the same radio frequency.
> Malfunction.
Resetting the system
Each time a tire inflation pressure has been cor-
rected or a wheel or tire has been changed, 
reset the system.
1."Vehicle Info"
2. "Vehicle status"
3. "Reset"
4. Start the engine – do not drive away.
5. Reset the inflation pr essure by selecting 
"Reset".
6. Start driving.
The tires are shown in gray and "Resetting 
TPM..." is displayed.
After driving a few minu tes, the set inflation 
pressures in the tires are  accepted as the target 
values to be monitored.  The resetting process 
is completed automatically as you drive. The 
tires are depicted in green on the Control Dis-
play and "Status: TPM  active" is displayed 
again.
The trip can be interrupted at any time. When 
driving resumes, resetting continues automati-
cally.
If a flat tire is detected while the system is 
resetting, all tires on the Control Display 
are displayed in yellow. The message "Low 
tire!" is displayed. <
Message for low tire  inflation pressure
The warning lamps light up in yellow 
and red. A message appears on the 
Control Display. In addition, a signal 
sounds.
> There is a flat tire or substantial loss of tire 
pressure in the indicated wheel.
> The system was not reset after a wheel 
change and thus issues a warning based on 
the inflation pressure s initialized last.
Reduce speed and stop the vehicle with cau-
tion. 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 low tire pressure is reported, the 
Dynamic Stability Control DSC is activated.
Actions in the event of a flat tire
Run-flat tires
You can continue driving with a damaged tire at 
speeds 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 is correct in all four 
tires, then the Tire  Pressure Monitor may 
not have been reset. The system must then 
be reset.
Possible driving distance with complete loss of 
tire inflation 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.
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ControlsTechnology for driving comfort and safety
When driving with damaged tires, the handling 
characteristics ch ange, 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 driving 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 pressure 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 complete fa ilure of the tire. 
Reduce your speed and bring the vehicle to a 
stop; otherwise, tire components may become 
detached, which could result in an accident. Do 
not continue driving; instead, contact your 
BMW center. <
Message for unsuccessful system 
reset
Yellow warning lamp lights up. A 
message appears on the Control Dis-
play.
The system has detected a wheel change, but 
was not reset. A reliable warning is not possible 
at the current inflation pressures.
Check the tire inflation  pressure and reset the 
system, refer to page 103.
Malfunction
The small warning lamp flashes in 
yellow and then lights up continu-
ously; the large warning lamp lights 
up in yellow. The tires appear in gray  in the Control Display. No punctures can be 
detected.
Display in the follo
wing situations:
> A wheel without TPM electronics has been 
installed:
Have it checked by your BMW center.
> Malfunction
Have the system checked.
> Tire Pressure Monitor was unable to com-
plete the resetting process. Reset the sys-
tem again.
The small warning lamp flashes in 
yellow and then lights up continu-
ously; the large warning lamp lights 
up in yellow. The tires appear in gray 
in the Control Display. No punctures can be 
detected.
Display in the follo wing situations:
> Interference from systems or devices that 
use the same radio frequency: 
The system automatica lly becomes active 
again when the vehicl e moves out of the 
interference zone.
Declaration according to 
NHTSA/FMVSS 138
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
Each tire should be checked monthly when cold 
and inflated to the inflation pressure recom-
mended by the vehicle manufacturer on the 
vehicle placard or tire infl ation pressure label. If 
your vehicle has tires of a different size than the 
size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire infla-
tion pressure label, yo u should determine the 
proper tire inflation pressure for those tires. As 
an added safety feature, your vehicle has been 
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring sys-
tem, TPMS, that illuminate s a low tire pressure 
telltale when one or more of your tires are signif-
icantly underinflated.  Accordingly, when the 
low tire pressure telltal e illuminates, you should 
stop and check your tires as soon as possible, 
and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving 
on a significantly underi nflated tire causes the 
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Technology for driving comfort and safety
Controls
tire to overheat and ca
n lead to tire failure. 
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and 
tire tread life, and may  affect the vehicle’s han-
dling and stopping ability. Please note that the 
TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to 
maintain correct tire pressure, even if underin-
flation has not reached  the level at which the 
TPMS low tire pressure telltale illuminates.
The TPMS malfunction in dicator is combined 
with the low tire pressure  telltale. When the sys-
tem detects a malfunction,  the telltale will flash 
for approximately one minute and then remain 
continuously lit. This  sequence will continue 
upon subsequent vehicle startups as long as 
the malfunction exists. When the malfunction 
indicator is illuminated, the system may not be 
able to detect or signal  low tire pressure as 
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a 
variety of reasons, includ ing the installation of 
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the 
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning 
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction 
telltale after replacing one or more tires or 
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the 
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow 
the TPMS to continue  to function properly.
Active steering
The concept
Active steering varies the turning angle of the 
front wheels in relation  to steering wheel move-
ments. It also varies the steering force required 
to turn the wheels depe nding on the speed at 
which you are driving.
When you are driving in the low speed range, 
e.g. in a town or when parking, the steering 
angle is increased, i.e. steering becomes very 
direct and less effort is required to turn the 
wheels. In the higher speed range, on the other 
hand, the steering angle is reduced as the 
speed increases. This im proves the handling of 
your BMW over the entire speed range. In critical situations, 
the system can make tar-
geted corrections to the steering angle pro-
vided by the driver and thus stabilize the vehicle 
before the driver intervenes. This stabilizing 
intervention is simult aneously deactivated 
when DSC is switched off, refer to page 98.
Malfunction
The warning lamps light up and a 
message is displayed on the Control 
Display. Active steering is malfunc-
tioning or is temporarily deactivated. 
At low speeds, greater steering wheel move-
ments are required, whereas at higher speeds 
the vehicle reacts more sensitively to steering 
wheel movements. The stability-enhancing 
feature may also be deactivated. Drive cau-
tiously and think well ahead.
Deactivation
Active steering is deactivated to perform an ini-
tialization. A message in dicates that the feature 
is deactivated. Initializ ation may take several 
minutes.
If the message does no t disappear during the 
current trip, have the system checked.
Defect
If there is a defect, a corresponding text mes-
sage appears. Have the system checked.
Servotronic
The concept
The Servotronic varies the steering force 
required to turn the whee ls relative to the vehi-
cle speed.
At low speeds, the steering force is strongly 
assisted, i.e. less force is needed for steering. 
As the vehicle speed increases, the steering 
assisting power is reduced.
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139
Things to remember when driving
Driving tips
Check tire inflation pressure regularly
Check the tire inflation pr
essure at least twice a 
month and before embarking on a long journey, 
and correct it if necessary.
Low tire inflation pressure causes higher rolling 
resistance and thus increases fuel consumption 
and tire wear.
Set off immediately
Do not let the engine wa rm up while the car is 
still standing, but set off immediately at moder-
ate engine speed. This is the fastest way for the 
cold engine to reach its operating temperature.
Drive defensively
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking 
maneuvers. To do so, keep an adequate dis-
tance between you and th e vehicle in front of 
you. A defensive and smooth driving style 
keeps fuel consumption down.
Avoid high engine speeds
Only use first gear when setting off. In second 
and higher gears, accele rate without hesitation 
or pauses. When accelera ting, shift up before 
reaching high engine speeds.
When you reach the desi red speed, shift into 
the highest applicable ge ar and drive with the 
engine speed as low as possible and at a con-
stant speed.
As a rule: driving at low engine speeds lowers 
fuel consumption and reduces wear.
Coasting
When approaching a red lig ht, take your foot off 
the accelerator and coast to a stop in the high-
est applicable gear.
On a downhill slope, take your foot off the accel-
erator and coast in a suitable gear.
The fuel supply is interrupted when coasting.
Switch off the engine during lengthy 
stops
Switch off the engine when stopping for lengthy 
periods, e.g. at traffic lights, railroad crossings 
or in traffic congestions. You achieve fuel sav-
ings even if standing time is as short as approx. 
4seconds.
Switch off functions you do not need at 
the moment
Functions such as the air conditioner, seat 
heating or rear window defroster draw large 
amounts of power and consume additional fuel. 
Especially in city traffic and in stop-and-go driv-
ing they have a considerable impact. Therefore, 
switch these functions  off when they are not 
really needed.
Have the vehicle serviced
Have the vehicle serviced regularly to achieve 
good economy and a long vehicle life. BMW 
recommends having the vehicle serviced at 
your BMW center. Also note the BMW service 
system, refer to page 264.
General driving notes
Close the trunk lid
Only drive with the trunk closed. Failure to 
do so may endanger  passengers or other 
road users or may damage the vehicle in the 
event of an accident or a braking and evasive 
maneuver. In addition, exhaust gas may flow 
into the passenger compartment. <
If special circumstances  make it absolutely nec-
essary to drive with the trunk open:
1. Close all windows and the glass roof.
2. Greatly increase the ai r volume of the auto-
matic climate control system, refer to 
page 118.
3. Drive cautiously.
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239
Wheels and tires
Mobility
Wheels and tires
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all production, 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.
Tire inflation pressures
Information for your safety
It is not merely  the tires' service life, but also 
driving comfort and, to a great extent, driving 
safety that depend on th e condition of the tires 
and the maintenance of th e specified tire pres-
sure.
Check the tire inflation pressure regularly 
and correct it, if nece ssary: at least twice a 
month and before starting long trips. If you fail 
to observe this  precaution you may be driving 
on tires with incorrect tire pressures, a condi-
tion that can not only  compromise your vehi-
cle's driving stability, but also lead to tire dam-
age and the risk of an accident. Do not drive 
with deflated, i.e. flat tires, except when using 
run-flat tires. A flat tire  will seriously impair your 
vehicle's handling and braking response. 
Attempts to drive on a flat tire can lead to loss of 
control over the vehicle. <
Checking pressure
Only check tire inflation pressure when the 
tires are cold. This means after a maximum of 
1.25 miles/2 km driving or when the vehicle has 
been parked for at least 2 hours. When tires are 
warm, the tire inflation pressure is higher.
After correcting the tire inflation pressure, 
reset the Tire Pressure Monitor, refer to  page
103, or reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor, 
refer to page 100.<
Inflation pressure specifications
The tables below provide all the correct inflation 
pressures for the specified tire sizes at ambient 
temperature.
The inflation pressure s apply to the tire 
sizes approved and tire brands recom-
mended by BMW; a list of these is available 
from your BMW center. <
For correct identification  of the right tire infla-
tion pressures, observe the following:
> Tire sizes for your vehicle
> Maximum allowable driving speed
Tire inflation pressures for driving up to 
100 mph or 160 km/h
For normal driving up to 100 mph or 160 km/h 
and to achieve optimum driving comfort, adjust 
pressures to the respecti ve tire inflation pres-
sures listed on the following pages in the col-
umns for traveling speeds up to a maximum of 
100 mph or 160 km/h.
These tire inflation pressures can also be found 
on the driver's side door pillar when the driver's 
door is open.
The maximum permissible speed for 
these tire pressures is 100 mph or 
160 km/h. Do not exceed this speed; otherwise, 
tire damage and accidents could occur. <
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