
98
ControlsTechnology for driving comfort and safety
safety margin again by taking risks, as this could 
result in an accident. <
Deactivating DSC
Press the button for at le ast 3 seconds until the 
indicator lamp for DSC OFF lights up and DSC 
OFF is displayed in the instrument cluster. 
Dynamic Traction Control DTC and DSC have 
been simultaneously de activated. Stabilizing 
and drive-output promoting actions are no 
longer executed.
In the same way as with  a differential interlock, 
even if DSC is deactivated, brake actions are 
still performed to enhanc e drive output if the 
drive wheels experience a significant loss of 
traction.
To increase vehicle stab ility, activate DSC again 
as soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Press the button again; th e indicator lamp in the 
instrument cluster goes out.
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes: the DSC 
controls the driving and braking forces.
If the indicator lamp lights up: DSC and 
DTC have failed.
The indicator lamp lights up and 
DSC OFF is displayed in the instrument 
cluster: DSC is deactivated.
Dynamic Traction Control DTC
DTC is a version of DSC in which the drive out-
put is optimized for part icular road conditions, 
e.g. unplowed snow-covered roads. The sys-
tem assures the maximal drive output, but with 
reduced driving stability.  It is therefore neces-
sary to drive with appropriate caution.
You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC 
under the following sp ecial circumstances:
> When driving uphill on snow-covered roads, 
in slush or on unplowed, snow-covered 
roads
> When rocking a stuck vehicle free or start-
ing off in deep snow or on loose ground
> When driving with snow chains
Activating DTC
Press the button; the indicator lamp for DSC 
OFF lights up and TRACTION is displayed in 
the instrument cluster.
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes: DTC con-
trols the driving and braking forces.
If the indicator lamp lights up: DSC and 
DTC have failed.
The indicator lamp lights up and 
TRACTION is displayed in the instru-
ment cluster: DTC is activated.
Deactivating DTC
Press the button again; th e indicator lamp in the 
instrument cluster goes out.
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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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258
MobilityWheels and tires
When properly used, these tires meet the high-
est standards in terms of safety and handling 
characteristics.
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for driving on 
winter roads or at temperatures below +45 7/
+7 6. Although all-season M+S tires provide 
better winter traction th an summer tires, they 
generally fail to provide th e same levels of cold-
weather performance as winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always comply with the speed limit for the 
winter tires mounted on your car; failure 
to do so could result in tire damage and acci-
dents. <
If the car is capable of speeds higher than that 
permitted for the winter tires, a label stating the 
maximum permitted speed for the mounted 
tires must be displayed in your field of view. 
Specialist tire dealers and your BMW center 
can supply these labels.
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry 
place with as little exposure to light as possible. 
Always protect tires agains t all contact with oil, 
grease and fuels.  Do not exceed the maximum 
tire inflation pressure  indicated on the sidewall 
of the tire.
Swapping wheels between axles
BMW advises against swapping wheels 
between the front and rear  axles, even if all tires 
have the same size, as this could impair driving 
characteristics. If the tires are of mixed sizes, 
swapping wheels betwee n the axles is not per-
missible.
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 spec ial rim. The reinforce-
ment in the sidewalls en sures that the tire can 
continue to be used su bject to certain restric-
tions, even if depressurized.
For information on continuing to drive with a flat 
tire, refer to In dication of a flat tire, page 101.
Snow chains
Only certain fine-link snow chains have been 
tested by BMW, classified as safe for use and 
recommended. Consult your BMW center for 
more information. 
Snow chains must be mounted in pairs and on 
the rear wheels only. Observe the manufac-
turer's instructions when mounting snow 
chains. Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph or 
50 km/h.
Do not initialize the Fl at Tire Monitor if 
snow chains are mounted; otherwise, the 
instrument might issue an incorrect reading.
When driving with snow chains, you may find it 
helpful to activate DT C temporarily, refer to 
page 98.<
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Everything from A to Z
Reference
Entering the postal code for 
navigation 151
Entry lamps, refer to Interior  lamps 114
Entry map for destination 155
ESP Electronic Stability  Program, refer to Dynamic 
Stability Control DSC 97
Exhaust system, refer to Hot  exhaust system 140
Exterior mirrors 55
– adjusting 55
– automatic dimming  feature 56
– automatic heating 55
– folding in and out 55
External audio device 127
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing 
away 279
– for tying down loads 143
F
Failure messages, refer to 
Check Control 92
Failure of an electrical  consumer 275
False alarm
– avoiding unintentional  alarm 38
– switching off an alarm 37
Fastening safety belts, refer to  Safety belts 53
Fastest route for  navigation 159
Fault messages, refer to 
Check Control 92
Filter
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic 
climate control 120
First aid pouch 277
Fixture for remote control,  refer to Ignition lock 61Flash when locking/
unlocking 33
Flat tire
– Run-flat tires 258
– Tire Pressure Monitor 
TPM 102
Flat Tire Monitor FTM 100
– indicating a flat tire 101
– indicator/warning lamp 101
– initialization 100
– snow chains 100,258
– system limits 100
Flat tires, refer to Tire  condition 256
Fluid reservoir, refer to  Washer fluid reservoir 72
Fog lamps 114
– indicator lamp 13,114
Folding up the floor panel 132
Footwell lamps, refer to  Interior lamps 114
For your own safety 5
Four-wheel drive, refer to  xDrive 99
Front airbags 107
FTM, refer to Flat Tire  Monitor 100
Fuel 237
– average consumption 84
– gauge 83
– high-quality brands 237
– quality 237
– specifications 237
– tank contents, refer to 
Capacities 289
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel  gauge 83
Fuel consumption indicator
– average fuel  consumption 84
Fuel d
isplay, refer to Fuel 
gauge 83
Fuel filler flap 236
– releasing in the event of  electrical malfunction 236
Fuses 275
G
Garage door opener, refer to 
Integrated universal remote 
control 122
Gasoline
– refer to Average  consumption 84
Gasoline, refer to Required  fuel 237
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel 
gauge 83
Gas station  recommendations 161
Gear indicator, automatic  transmission with 
Steptronic 64
Gear indicator, refer to  Displays in the instrument 
cluster 67
Gearshift lever 66
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic 64
– manual transmission 64
Gearshifts
– automatic transmission with  Steptronic 64
– manual transmission 64
General driving notes 139
Glass roof, electric 41
– closing after electrical 
malfunction 42
– convenient opening and  closing 32,34
– convenient opening and  closing with Comfort 
Access 39
– initializing 42
– opening, closing 42
– pinch protection system 42
– power failure 42
– remote control 32
– tilting 41
Glove compartment 126
GPS navigation, refer to  Navigation system 148
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