SafetyVehicle equipment
This chapter describes all series equipment as
well as country-specific and special equipment
offered for this model series. Therefore, it also
describes equipment that may not be found in
your vehicle, for instance due to the selected
special equipment or the country version. This
also applies to safety-related functions and
systems.
When using the features and systems descri‐
bed here, adhere to local regulations.
Airbags The following airbags are located under the
marked covers:1Front airbags2Side airbags in the seat backrests3Knee airbag
Front airbags
Front airbags help protect the driver and pas‐
senger by responding to frontal impacts in
which safety belts alone cannot provide ade‐
quate restraint.
Side airbags
In a lateral impact, the side airbag protects the
side of the body in the chest area.
Knee airbag
The knee airbag supports the legs in a frontal
impact.
Protective action
Airbags are not triggered in every impact situa‐
tion, e.g., in less severe accidents or rear-end
collisions.
Even when all instructions are followed closely,
injury from contact with the airbags cannot be
ruled out in certain situations.
The ignition and inflation noise may lead to
short-term and, in most cases, temporary
hearing impairment in sensitive individuals.
Information on how to ensure the optimal
protective effect of the airbags▷Keep at a distance from the airbags.▷Always grasp the steering wheel on the
steering wheel rim, holding your hands at
the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions, to
keep the danger of injury to your hands or
arms as low as possible if the airbag is trig‐
gered.▷There should be no people, animals, or ob‐
jects between an airbag and a person.▷Do not use the cover of the front airbag on
the front passenger side as a storage area.▷Keep the dashboard and window on the
front passenger side clear, i.e., do not
cover with adhesive labels or coverings,
and do not attach holders such as for navi‐
gation instruments and mobile phones.▷Make sure that the front passenger is sit‐
ting correctly, i.e., keeps his or her feet and
legs in the footwell; otherwise, leg injuries
can occur if the front airbag is triggered.Seite 90ControlsSafety90
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▷Do not place slip covers, seat cushions or
other objects on the front passenger seat
that are not approved specifically for seats
with integrated side airbags.▷Do not hang pieces of clothing, such as
jackets, over the backrests.▷Make sure that passengers do not lean
their heads against the side airbag; other‐
wise, serious injuries could result if the air‐
bag suddenly deployed.▷Do not remove the airbag restraint system.▷Do not remove the steering wheel.▷Do not apply adhesive materials to the air‐
bag cover panels, cover them or modify
them in any way.▷Never modify either the individual compo‐
nents or the wiring in the airbag system.
This also applies to the covers of the steer‐
ing wheel, the dashboard and the seats.◀
In the case of a malfunction, deactivation
and after triggering of the airbags
Do not touch the individual components imme‐
diately after the system has been triggered;
otherwise, there is the danger of burns.
Only have the airbags checked, repaired or dis‐
mantled and the airbag generator scrapped by
your service center or a workshop that has the
necessary authorization for handling explo‐
sives.
Non-professional attempts to service the sys‐
tem could lead to failure in an emergency or
undesired triggering of the airbag, either of
which could result in injury.◀
Warning notices and information about the air‐
bags can also be found on the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of the
passenger airbags
The system determines whether the front pas‐
senger seat is occupied by measuring the re‐
sistance of the human body. The front and side
airbags on the front passenger side are acti‐
vated or deactivated accordingly by the sys‐
tem.
The indicator lamp above the interior rearview
mirror shows the current status of the passen‐
ger airbags, deactivated or activated, refer to
Status of passenger airbags below.
Passenger feet in the footwellMake sure that the front passenger
keeps his or her feet in the footwell; otherwise,
the front passenger airbags may not function
properly.◀
Child restraint fixing system in the front
passenger seat
Before transporting a child on the passenger
seat, read the safety and operating instructions
under Transporting children safely, refer to
page 53.◀
Malfunction of the automatic
deactivation system
The front passenger airbags may be deacti‐
vated if adolescents and adults sit in certain
positions; the indicator lamp for the front pas‐
senger airbags comes on. In this case, change
the sitting position so that the front passenger
airbags are activated and the indicator lamp
goes out. If the desired airbag status cannot be
achieved by changing the sitting position, do
not transport the passenger in the vehicle.
To make sure that occupation of the seat
cushion can be detected correctly:▷Do not attach seat covers, seat cushion
padding, ball mats or other items to the
passenger seat unless they are specifically
recommended by BMW.▷Do not place any objects on the front pas‐
senger seat.▷Do not place objects under the seat that
could press against the seat from below.Seite 91SafetyControls91
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Status of passenger airbags
The indicator lamp for the front passenger air‐
bags indicates the operating status of the front
and side airbags on the front passenger side
depending on the seat occupation. The indica‐
tor lamp shows whether the passenger airbags
are activated or deactivated.
▷The indicator lamp lights up when a child
who is properly seated in a child restraint
system intended for that purpose is de‐
tected on the seat or the seat is empty.
The front and side airbags on the front
passenger side are not activated. Most
child seats are detected by the system, Es‐
pecially the child seats required by NHTSA
at the time that the vehicle was manufac‐
tured. After installing a child seat, make
sure that the indicator lamp for the front
passenger airbags lights up. This indicates
that the child seat has been detected and
the front passenger airbags are not acti‐
vated.▷The indicator lamp does not light up when,
for example, a person of sufficient size and
in a correct sitting position is detected on
the seat. The front and front passenger air‐
bags on the front passenger side are acti‐
vated.Operational readiness of airbag
system
When the ignition, refer to page 56, is switched
on, the warning lamp comes on briefly to indi‐
cate that the entire airbag system and the belt
tensioners are operational.
Airbag system malfunction
▷The warning lamp does not light up when
the ignition is switched on.▷Warning lamp remains permanently on.
Have the airbag system checked without
delay if there is a malfunction
In the event of a malfunction in the airbag sys‐
tem, have it checked without delay; otherwise,
there is the risk that the system will not func‐
tion as intended even if a sufficiently severe
accident occurs.◀
Flat Tire Monitor FTM The conceptThe system detects a pressure loss in a tire on
the basis of speed differences between the in‐
dividual wheels during a trip.
In the event of pressure loss, the rolling cir‐
cumference changes and, thus, the rotating
speed of the affected wheel. This change is
detected and is reported as a flat tire.
Functional requirements
The system must have been initialized when
the tire inflation pressure was correct; other‐
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wise, reliable signaling of a flat tire is not en‐
sured. Initialize the system after each correc‐
tion of the tire inflation pressure and after
every tire or wheel change.
System limits Sudden tire damage
Sudden serious tire damage caused by
external influences cannot be indicated in ad‐
vance.◀
A natural, even pressure loss in all four tires
cannot be detected.
The system could be delayed or malfunction in
the following situations:▷When the system has not been initialized.▷When driving on a snowy or slippery road
surface.▷Sporty driving style: slip in the drive
wheels, high lateral acceleration.▷When driving with snow chains.
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 system when driving with
snow chains.1."Vehicle Info"2."Vehicle status"3."Reset"4.Start the engine - do not drive away.5.Start the initialization with "Reset".6.Drive away.
The initialization is completed while driving,
which can be interrupted at any time.
The initialization automatically continues when
driving resumes.
Indication of a flat tire The warning lamps come on in yellow
and red. A message appears on the
Control Display. In addition, a signal
sounds.
There is a flat tire or a major loss in tire inflation
pressure.
1.Reduce your speed and stop cautiously.
Avoid sudden braking and steering maneu‐
vers.2.Check whether the vehicle is fitted with
regular tires or run-flat tires.Seite 93SafetyControls93
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one or more tires. Sensors in the tire valves
measure the tire pressure.
Notes Tire damage caused by external influen‐
ces
Sudden tire damage caused by external influ‐
ences cannot be indicated in advance.◀
To operate the system, also note the additional
information and instructions contained under
Tire inflation pressure, refer to page 226.
Functional requirement The system must have been reset while the in‐
flation pressure was correct; otherwise, reliable
signaling of pressure loss is not ensured.
Reset the system after adjusting the tire infla‐
tion pressure and after changing a tire or
wheel.
Always use wheels with TPM electronics to
ensure that the system will operate properly.
Status display1. Press the button. The start menu
opens.2."Vehicle Info"3."Vehicle status"4."TPM"5.The status is displayed.
Status indicator on the Control
Display
The tire and system status is indicated by the
color of the tires.
TPM takes into account that tire pressures
change while the vehicle is being driven.
All wheels are green
The system is active and issues warnings in
case of deviations from the tire inflation pres‐
sures stored last.
"TPM active" appears on the Control Display.
One wheel is yellow
Flat tire or major drop in inflation pressure in
the indicated tire. A message appears on the
Control Display.
All wheels are yellow▷Flat tire or major drop in inflation pressure
in several tires.▷The system was not reset after a wheel
change and issues warnings in case of de‐
viations from the tire inflation pressures
stored last.▷A flat tire in one or more tires while the sys‐
tem is being reset.
A message appears on the Control Display.
The wheels are gray The system cannot detect a flat tire.
Possible reasons for this:
▷TPM is being reset.▷Disturbance by systems or devices with
the same radio frequency.▷Malfunction.
Resetting the system
Reset the system after adjusting the tire infla‐
tion pressure and every time a tire or wheel is
changed.
1. Press the button. The start menu
opens.2."Vehicle Info"3."Vehicle status"Seite 95SafetyControls95
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If the tire inflation pressure in all four tires
is correct, the Tire Pressure Monitor may
not have been reset. Reset the system.
Possible driving distance with complete loss of
tire inflation pressure:
The possible driving distance after a loss of tire
inflation pressure depends on the cargo load
and the driving style and conditions.
For a vehicle containing an average load, the
possible driving distance is approx.
50 miles/80 km.
When the vehicle is driven with a damaged tire,
its handling characteristics change, e.g., re‐
duced lane stability during braking, a longer
braking distance, and altered self-steering
properties. Adjust your driving style accord‐
ingly. Avoid abrupt steering maneuvers or driv‐
ing over obstacles, e. g., curbs, potholes, etc.
Because the possible driving distance de‐
pends on how the vehicle is used during the
trip, the actual distance may be smaller or
greater depending on the driving speed, road
conditions, external temperature, cargo load,
etc.
Continued driving with a flat tire
Drive moderately and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
A loss of tire inflation pressure results in a
change in the handling characteristics, e.g., re‐
duced lane stability during braking, a longer
braking distance and altered self-steering
properties.◀
Final tire failure
Vibrations or loud noises while driving
can indicate the final failure of the tire. Reduce
speed and stop; otherwise, pieces of the tire
could come loose and cause an accident. Do
not continue driving, and contact your service
center.◀
Message when not reset
The warning light lights up yellow. A
Check Control message is displayed.
The system may not have been reset
although a wheel was changed.
Check the tire inflation pressure and reset the
system, refer to page 95.
System limits
The system does not function properly if it has
not been reset, e.g., it may identify a tire as flat
in spite of the fact that the tire is filled to the
correct inflation pressure.
The tire pressure depends on the temperature
of the tire. An increase in the tire temperature,
e.g., while driving or due to sunlight, increases
the tire inflation pressure. The tire pressure
decreases when the tire temperature drops. In
case of severe temperature drops, this behav‐ ior may lead to a warning on account of the de‐
fined warning limits.
Malfunction The small warning light flashes in yel‐
low and then lights up continuously;
the larger warning light comes on in
yellow. On the Control Display, the
tires are shown in gray and a message ap‐
pears. No flat tire can be detected.
Display in the following situations:▷A wheel without TPM electronics is fitted:
have the service center check it if neces‐
sary.▷Malfunction: have the system checked by
your service center.▷TPM could not be fully reset. Reset the
system again.
The small warning light flashes in yel‐
low and then lights up continuously;
the larger warning light comes on in
yellow. The tires are displayed in gray
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on the Control Display. No flat tire can be de‐
tected.
Display in the following situations:▷Disturbance by systems or devices with
the same radio frequency. After leaving the
area of the disturbance, the system auto‐
matically becomes active again.
Declaration according to NHTSA/
FMVSS 138 Tire Pressure Monitoring
Systems
Each tire, including the spare (if provided)
should be checked monthly when cold and in‐
flated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label (If your
vehicle has tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label, you 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
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pres‐
sure telltale when one or more of your tires is
significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when
the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pres‐
sure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated
tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel ef‐
ficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the
vehicle's handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute
for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driv‐
er's responsibility to maintain correct tire pres‐
sure, even if under-inflation has not reached
the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS
low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly. The
TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with
the low tire pressure telltale. When the system
detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This sequence will
continue upon subsequent vehicle startups as
long as the malfunction exists. When the mal‐
function 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, including the in‐
stallation 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 en‐
sure that the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.
Brake force display
The concept▷During normal brake application, the brake
lamps light up.▷During heavy brake application, the turn
signals light up in addition.
The brake force display is not activated if the
turn signal function is switched on.
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Driving stability control systemsVehicle equipmentThis chapter describes all series equipment as
well as country-specific and special equipment
offered for this model series. Therefore, it also
describes equipment that may not be found in
your vehicle, for instance due to the selected
special equipment or the country version. This
also applies to safety-related functions and
systems.
When using the features and systems descri‐
bed here, adhere to local regulations.
Antilock Brake System ABS ABS prevents locking of the wheels during
braking.
The vehicle remains steerable even during full
brake applications, thus increasing active
safety.
ABS is operational every time you start the en‐
gine.
Electronic brake-force
distribution
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. It thus helps to achieve the short‐
est possible braking distance during full brak‐
ing. This system utilizes all of the benefits pro‐
vided by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
for the duration of the full braking.Dynamic Stability Control
DSC
The concept DSC prevents traction loss in the driving
wheels when driving away and accelerating.
DSC also recognizes unstable vehicle condi‐
tions, such as fishtailing or nose-diving. Sub‐
ject to physical limits, DSC helps to keep the
vehicle on a steady course by reducing engine
speed and by applying brakes to the individual
wheels.
Adjust your driving style to the situation
An appropriate driving style is always the
responsibility of the driver.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed, even
with DSC.
Therefore, do not reduce the additional safety
margin by driving in a risky manner.◀
Activating/deactivating DSC DSC can be deactivated/activated via the DSC
OFF program of the Dynamic Driving Control,
refer to page 100.
For better control The DSC indicator lamp flashes: DSC
is controlling the drive forces and brake
forces.
The DSC indicator lamp lights up: DSC has
failed.Seite 99Driving stability control systemsControls99
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