
66
ControlsDriving
>To upshift, briefly pull the right shift 
paddle +.
> To downshift, briefly pull the left shift 
paddle –.
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 exec uted by the system.
The gear selected is briefly displayed in the 
instrument cluster, followed again by the gear 
actually in use.
Overriding selector lever lock
If the selector lever will not move out of 
position P even though the ignition is switched 
on, the brake is depressed, and the button on 
the selector lever is pre ssed, the selector lever 
lock can be overridden:
1. Unclip the sleeve of the selector lever.
2. Pull the sleeve up over  the selector lever 
until the sleeve is inside out.
3. Using the screwdriver from the onboard 
vehicle tool kit, refer to page 243, press the 
red lever, see arrow, while moving the 
selector lever to the desired position.
7-gear Sport automatic 
transmission with double 
clutch
The concept
The 7-gear Sport automatic transmission with 
double clutch is an automated manual trans-
mission with two clutches and secondary gear 
sets in which the clutching and shifting is 
handled by an electr ohydraulic system.
With the 7-gear Sport automatic transmission 
with double clutch, the gears are shifted without 
an interruption in driving power.
You operate the 7-gear Sport automatic trans-
mission with double clutch using the selector 
lever and two shift paddles on the steering 
wheel.
It offers you the following functions:
> Either manual or au tomatic mode: sequen-
tial mode or drive mode
> Automatic downshifting and protection 
against incorrect gear selection, even in 
sequential mode
> Acceleration assistan t, Launch Control, 
refer to page 70
> Automatic intermediate  throttle application
System limitations
The 7-gear Sport automatic transmission with 
double clutch has an overheating protection 
that protects the clutch from extreme loads.
The indicator lamp lights up in yellow if 
the transmission becomes too warm. 
Avoid high engine loads and frequent 
accelerations from zero. If the transmission is 
overheated, the indicator lamp lights up in red 
and the power flow to the  motor is interrupted. It 
is only possible to continue driving once the 
transmission has cooled down.
Avoid frequent powerful accelerations from 
zero and do not hold the  vehicle on inclines by 
pressing lightly on the  accelerator while letting 
the clutch slip, as this may cause the transmis-
sion to overheat.
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71
Driving
Controls
Turn signals/
headlamp flasher
1
High beams
2 Headlamp flasher
3 Turn signal
Using turn signals
Press the lever beyond the resistance point.
To turn off manually, press the lever to the 
resistance point.
Unusually rapid flashing of the indicator 
lamp and the turn signals indicates that 
one of the turn signal bulbs has failed. <
Signaling a turn briefly
Press the lever as far as the resistance point for 
as long as you wish to signal a turn.
Triple turn signal activation
Press the lever as far as the resistance point.
The turn signals flash three times.
You can activate or deactivate this function.
1. "Settings"
2. "Lighting" 3.
"Triple turn signal"
The setting is stored  for the remote control 
currently in use.
Wiper system
Do not switch on the wipers if they immo-
bilized by ice; otherw ise, damage to the 
wiper blades and wiper motor may occur. <
Do not use the wipers when the window 
glass is dry; otherwis e, the wiper blades 
may experience accelerated wear or damage.<
1 Switching on wipers
2 Switching off wipers or brief wipe
3 Activating/deactivating  intermittent wipe or 
rain sensor
4 Cleaning windshield and headlamps
5 Setting speed for intermittent wipe or 
sensitivity of the rain sensor
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76
ControlsControls overview
Tachometer
Never force the engine speed up into the red 
warning field, see arrow. In this range, the fuel 
supply is interrupted to protect the engine.
Engine oil temperature
When the engine is at normal operating temper-
ature, the engine oil temperature is between 
approx. 2107/100 6 and approx. 300 7/
150 6.
If the engine oil temp erature is too high, a 
message appears on the Control Display.
Fuel gauge
Fuel tank capacity: approx. 14 US gal/53 liters.
You can find information on refueling on 
page 221.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies for a longer period, 
when you are driving in mountainous areas, for 
example, the indicator may fluctuate slightly.
Fuel display 135i: in speedometer.
Reserve
Once the fuel level ha s fallen to the reserve 
zone, a message briefly  appears on the Control 
Display and the remaining  cruising range is dis-
played on the computer. Under a cruising range 
of approx. 30 miles/50 km, the message 
remains in the Control Display.
With a dynamic driving style, e.g. rapid corner-
ing, engine functions are not always assured.
Refuel as soon as possible once your 
cruising range falls below 30 miles/
50 km; otherwise, engine functions are not 
ensured and damage can occur. <
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84
ControlsControls overview
Date
The settings are stored for the remote control 
currently in use, refer also to Personal Profile on 
page32.
Setting the date
In the instrument cluster
To set the dd/mm or mm/dd date format, refer 
to Setting the date format below.
1. Push button 1 in the turn signal/high beam 
lever up or down repe atedly until the appro-
priate symbol appear s in the display, 
accompanied by the date and the word 
"SET".
2. Press button  2.
3. Use button 1 to set the day of the month.
4. Press button 2 to confirm the entry.
5. Set the month and the ye a r  i n  t he  s a m e  w a y .
6. Press button 2.
The system stores the new date.
Via iDrive
1. "Settings"
2. "Time/Date"
3. "Date:"
4. Turn the controller until the desired day is 
displayed, and press the controller.
5. Create the necessary  settings for the 
month and year.
The date is stored.
Setting the date format
1. "Settings"
2. "Time/Date"
3. "Format:"
4. Select the desired format.
The date format is stored.
Check Control
The concept
The Check Control monitors vehicle functions 
and alerts you to any malfunctions in the sys-
tems monitored. Such a Check Control mes-
sage includes indicato r and warning lamps in 
the instrument cluster  and, in some circum-
stances, an acoustic signal as well as text 
messages at the top of  the Control Display.
Indicator and warning lamps
Indicator and warning lamps can light up in a 
variety of combinations and colors.
Several of the lamps are checked for proper 
functioning and light up  temporarily when the 
engine is started or the  ignition is switched on.
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85
Controls overview
Controls
 indicates that Check 
Control messages have 
been stored. These Check Control messages 
can be viewed again  later, refer to page85.
Text messages
Text messages at the uppe r edge of the Control 
Display explain the meaning of the displayed 
indicator and warning lamps.
Supplemental text messages
You can call up more information on the Control 
Display, e.g. on the cause of a malfunction and 
on how to respond, via Check Control.
The text of urgent messages is displayed auto-
matically.
To exit the display: 
Select "OK" and press the Controller.
Symbols
Depending on the Check Control message, you 
can select from among the following functions 
in the supplementary text messages.
>  "Service request"
Contact your BMW center.
>  "Roadside Assistance"
Contact BMW Roadside Assistance.
Hiding Check Control messages
Press the button on the turn signal/high beam 
lever.
> Some Check Control messages are dis-
played continuously an d remain visible until 
the malfunction has been  rectified. If several 
malfunctions occur at  once, the messages 
are displayed consecutively.
These messages can be hidden for approx. 
8 seconds. After this, they are displayed 
again automatically.
They are marked with the symbol 
shown here.
> Other Check Control messages are hidden 
automatically after approx. 20 seconds. 
They are stored and can be displayed again 
later.
They are marked with the symbol 
shown here.
Displaying stored Check Control 
messages
1.Push button 1 in the turn signal/high beam 
lever up or down repeatedly until the appro-
priate symbol appears in the display, 
accompanied by the words "CHECK".
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88
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 
behind your vehicle. Four ultrasonic sensors in 
the bumper measure the distance.
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 corner sensors or approx. 5 ft/1.50 m 
from the center sensors.
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. second 
when you engage reverse gear or move the 
automatic transmission selector lever to 
position R. Wait this short period before driving.
Switching off automatically
After approx. 164 ft/50 m of driving or above 
approx. 18 mph/30 km/h, the system switches 
off and the LED goes out.
Signal tones
When nearing an object, its position is indicated 
correspondingly by an in terval tone. 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 stop in front of an object that has been 
detected by only one of the corner sensors
> If you are driving parallel to a wall
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up. A mes-
sage appears on the Control Display. 
PDC is malfunctioning. Have the 
system 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.
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 tone sounds. The display 
appears on the Control Display as soon as PDC 
is activated.
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89
Technology for driving comfort and safety
Controls
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. Loud sound sources out-
side or inside the car can drown out the PDC 
signal. Therefore, always drive cautiously; oth-
erwise, there is a risk of personal injury or prop-
erty 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.
Antilock Brake System ABS
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 page 126.
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 exploi ts all of the benefits 
provided 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 no t reduce the additional 
s a f e t y  m a r g i n  a g a i n  b y  t a k i n g  r i s k s ,  a s  t h i s  c o u l d  
result in an accident. <
Deactivating DSC
Press the button for at least 3 seconds until the 
indicator lamp for DSC OFF lights up and DSC 
OFF is displayed in the instrument cluster. 
Dynamic Traction Cont rol DTC and DSC have 
been simultaneously de activated. Stabilizing 
and drive-output promoting actions are no 
longer executed.
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ControlsTechnology for driving comfort and safety
In the same way as with  a differential interlock, 
even if DSC is deactivated, brake actions are 
still performed on the rear axle to enhance drive 
output if the drive whee ls experience a signifi-
cant loss of traction.
To increase vehicle stability, 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 TRAC-
TION is displayed in the instrument 
cluster: DTC is activated.
Deactivating DTC
Press the button again; th e indicator lamp in the 
instrument cluster goes out.
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. Otherwise, the drive-off 
assistant will no longer hold the car in place 
after approx. 2 seconds and the car will start to 
roll backwards. <
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