
96
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.
Online  Edition  for Part  no. 01 40 2 609  333 - \251  08/11  BMW AG  

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 
Online  Edition  for Part  no. 01 40 2 609  333 - \251  08/11  BMW AG  

113
Lamps
Controls
High-beam Assistant
The concept
This system automatica
lly switches the high 
beams on and off. The procedure is controlled 
by a sensor on the front of the interior rearview 
mirror. The assistant ensures that the high 
beams are switched on whenever the traffic sit-
uation allows. It handle s this task for you and 
gives you the benefit of the best possible view. 
You can intervene at any time and switch the 
high beams on and off as usual.
Activating the system
1. Turn the light switch to position 3, refer to 
page 110.
2. With the low beams switched on, briefly 
push the turn signal/high beam lever in the 
direction of the high beam.
The indicator lamp in the instrument 
cluster lights up when the high beams 
are activated. The system automati-
cally switches from hi gh beams to low beams 
and vice versa in response  to oncoming traffic, 
traffic ahead of you, and adequate ambient 
lighting, e.g. on city streets.
Switching the high beams on and off 
manually
Whenever you wish, or when the situation 
requires, you can intervene:
> If the High-beam Assistant switches on the 
high beams, but you would like to drive with 
the low beams, simply switch off the high 
beams using the turn signal/high beam 
lever. This deacti vates the High-beam 
Assistant. 
To reactivate the syst em, briefly push the 
turn signal/high beam lever toward the high 
beams again. >
If the High-beam Assistant switches on the 
low beams, but you would like to drive with 
the high beams, switch on the high beams 
as usual. This deacti vates the system and 
the high beams need to be switched off 
manually, if necessary.
To reactivate the system, briefly push the 
turn signal/high beam  lever toward the high 
beams again.
> Use the headlamp flasher as usual with the 
low beams switched on.
System limitations
The High-beam Assistant cannot serve 
as a substitute for the driver's personal 
judgment of when to use the high beams. 
Therefore, manually switch off the high beams 
in situations where this  is required to avoid a 
safety risk.<
The system is not fully fu nctional in situations 
such as the following, and driver intervention 
may be necessary:
> In very unfavorable  weather conditions, 
such as fog or heavy precipitation
> In detecting poorly-lit  road users, such as 
pedestrians, cyclists,  horseback riders and 
wagons; when driving close to train or ship 
traffic; and at animal crossings
> In tight curves, on hilltops or in depressions, 
in cross traffic or half-obscured oncoming 
traffic on highways
> In poorly lit towns and cities and in the pres-
ence of highly reflective signs
> At low speeds
> When the windshield in  front of the interior 
rearview mirror is fogged over, dirty or cov-
ered with stickers, etc.
> If the sensor is dirty. Clean the sensor on 
the front of the interior  rearview mirror using 
a cloth moistened with a small amount of 
glass cleaner.
Online  Edition  for Part  no. 01 40 2 609  333 - \251  08/11  BMW AG  

117
Climate
Controls
6
Maximum cooling
7 AUTO program
8 Air volume, manual adjustment; AUTO 
intensity
9 Automatic recirculated air control AUC/
Recirculated air mode
10 Temperature, right side
11 ALL program 12
Defrosting windows and removing conden-
sation
13 Switching cooling func tion on/off manually
14 Rear window defroster
15 Seat heating, right side 53
16 Interior temperature sensor, please keep 
clear
17 Seat heating, left side 53
Automatic climate control
Comfortable interior climate
AUTO program7 offers the ideal air distribution 
and air volume for almost all conditions, refer to 
AUTO program below. All you need to do is 
select an interior temperature which is comfort-
able for you.
The following sections inform you in detail 
about how to adjust the settings.
Most settings are stored for the remote control 
currently in use, refer also to Personal Profile 
settings on page 31.
Adjusting air distribution manually
The air distribution can be 
switched on and off manually. The 
air is directed to the windshield, to 
the upper body area and to the 
footwell.
The automatic air distribution can be switched 
back on by pressing the AUTO button. The 
cooling function is swit ched on automatically 
and the manual air distribution setting is 
cleared.
Temperature
Turn to set the desired tempera-
ture.
The automatic climate control 
achieves this temperature as 
quickly as possible rega rdless of the season, 
using maximum cooling or  heating power if nec-
essary, and then  maintains it.
Avoid rapid switching between different tem-
perature settings. The  automatic climate con-
trol will not have sufficient time to adjust the set 
temperature.
Maximum heating power can be obtained with 
the highest setting, regardless of the outside 
temperature.
The system cools steadily in the lowest setting, 
regardless of the outside temperature.
Maximum cooling
Press the  button.
The system is set to the lowest 
temperature, maximum air volume 
and recirculated air mode.
Air flows out of the vent outlets for the upper 
body region. Open them for this purpose.
Air is cooled as quickly as possible:
> Above an outside temperature of approx. 
327/06
> When the engine is running
Online  Edition  for Part  no. 01 40 2 609  333 - \251  08/11  BMW AG  

118
ControlsClimate
AUTO program
Press the  button.
Air volume, air distribution and 
temperature are controlled auto-
matically.
Depending on the selected temperature, AUTO 
intensity and outside influences, the air is 
directed toward the wi ndshield, the side win-
dows, the upper body and the footwell.
Pressing the AUTO button automatically 
switches on the cooling function.
At the same time, a condensation sensor con-
trols the program so as to prevent window con-
densation as much as possible.
The program is switched off when the air distri-
bution is set manually  or the button is pressed 
again.
Intensity of the AUTO program
With the AUTO progra m switched on, auto-
matic control of the air volume and air distribu-
tion can be adjusted:
Press the left side of the button to 
reduce the intensity. Press the 
right side of the button to 
increase it.
The selected intensity is shown on the display 
of the automatic climate control.
Convertible program
The Convertible program is active when the 
hardtop is open and  the AUTO program is 
switched on. In the Convertible program, the 
automatic climate control is optimized for driv-
ing with the hardtop open . In addition, the air 
volume is increased as  vehicle speed increases.
The effectiveness of the Convertible pro-
gram can be enhanced considerably by 
installing the wind deflector. <
Adjusting air volume manually
To be able to manually adjust the air volume, 
switch off the AUTO program first.
Press the left side of the button to 
reduce the air volume. Press the 
right side of the button to 
increase it.
The air flow rate is lowered or switched off 
entirely to reduce the  drain on the battery. The 
display remains the same.
Automatic recirculated air control 
AUC/Recirculated air mode
You can respond to unpleasant odors or pollut-
ants in the immediate environment by tempo-
rarily suspending the supply of outside air. The 
system then recirculates the air currently within 
the vehicle.
Press the button repeatedly to 
select an operating mode:
> LED off: outside air fl ows in continuously.
> Left-hand LED on, AUC mode: a sensor 
detects pollutants in the outside air and 
controls the shut-off automatically.
> Right-hand LED on, recirculated air mode: 
the supply of outside air is permanently 
shut off. If the windows fog over, switch off 
recirculated air mode and increase the air 
volume, if necessary. Ma ke sure that air can 
flow onto the windshield.
The recirculated air mode should not be 
used over an extended period of time; 
otherwise, the air quality  inside the car will dete-
riorate continuously. <
Via the button on the steering wheel
You can switch quickly between the recircu-
lated air mode and the previous mode using a 
button on the steering wheel, refer to page 11.
Online  Edition  for Part  no. 01 40 2 609  333 - \251  08/11  BMW AG  

148
NavigationNavigation system
Navigation system
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all pr oduction, country, and 
optional equipment that is offered in the model 
range is described. Equipment is also described 
that is not available because of, for example, 
selected options or country version. This also 
applies to safety related functions and systems.
General information
The navigation system can determine the pre-
cise position of the vehicle, with the aid of satel-
lites and vehicle sensors,  and can reliably guide 
you to every entered destination.
Enter data only with the vehicle station-
ary, and always give priority to the appli-
cable traffic regulations in the event of any con-
tradiction between traffi c and road conditions 
and the instructions issu ed by the navigation 
system. Failure to take to this precaution can 
place you in violation of the law and put vehicle 
occupants and other road users in danger. <
Accessing navigation system
1. Press the button.
2. "Navigation"
The navigation syst em can also be 
accessed directly with  the button on the 
controller.
Navigation data
General information
Navigation data and au thorization codes are 
available from your BMW center. Navigation 
data are stored in the vehicle and can be 
updated. >
Depending on the data volume, a data 
update may take several hours.
> Update data while dr iving to reduce the 
drain on the battery.
> Only the main functions of the navigation 
system are available during updating.
The update is resumed  automatically when a 
trip is continued after an interruption.
> You can inquire as to the status of the 
update.
> The data are stored in the vehicle.
> After the update, the system restarts.
> The medium that holds  the navigation data 
can be removed after  the update is com-
pleted.
Information about navigation data
1. "Navigation"
2. Open "Options".
3. "Navigation system version":
Information about the data version is dis-
played.
Updating the navigation data
Inserting navigation DVD
1.Insert the navigation  DVD into the DVD 
player with the labe led side facing up.
2. Follow the instructions on the Control Dis-
play.
3. Enter the authorization  code of the naviga-
tion DVD and change the DVD if needed.
Online  Edition  for Part  no. 01 40 2 609  333 - \251  08/11  BMW AG  

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. <
Online  Edition  for Part  no. 01 40 2 609  333 - \251  08/11  BMW AG  

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.
Online  Edition  for Part  no. 01 40 2 609  333 - \251  08/11  BMW AG