Active Cruise Control is an advanced version of conventional cruise control systems. After setting the chosen speed and pre-set distance, radar measurements allow you to maintain a pre-set distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead in highway driving. As soon as sensors determine you are closing in on a vehicle ahead, the system automatically slows down to retain your pre-set distance. Once the distance has increased back to the chosen limit, the system automatically accelerates to return your vehicle to its pre-set speed. *Active Cruise Control is not a substitute for the driver's own responsibility in adjusting speed and otherwise controlling the vehicle. Due to the road, traffic and visibility conditions, the driver decides whether and how the system is used.

Active Steering. When BMW first introduced Active Steering to the market in 2003, drivers weren't the only ones who were impressed. It received the Innovation Award of German Industry, too. The technology allows for a variable steering ratio based on your speed. At low speeds, steering is nimble (10:1) for easy navigation in tight spaces. At high speeds, greater movement of the steering wheel is required to turn the front wheels the same amount (18:1), for increased stability. Most car companies split the difference with a constant 14:1 ratio, but we're not ones to compromise - even with our steering ratio.

Advanced Clean Diesel. Creating our cleanest diesel ever is made possible through Blue Performance technology. This process involves an odorless cleaning solution that is injected from the system's primary tank into the exhaust where it cleans the nitric oxides. The cleaned exhaust then passes through a silencer, ensuring that noise is minimal as the exhaust exits the vehicle. This advanced cleaning process helps BMW Advanced Diesel vehicles meet emissions criteria in all 50 states.

BMW. Bavarian Motor Works

Enjoy added safety, security and convenience with BMW Assist? services. With BMW Assist?, you have a direct connection to the BMW Assist Response Center, any time, day or night. If you're in an accident, need roadside assistance or have a customer service question, just push a button from within your vehicle to speak with a response specialist. If you're in a serious accident, crash sensors will trigger the system for you. And, if your car is stolen, you can access stolen vehicle recovery services by phone. In addition, BMW Assist? includes: TeleService, an exclusive BMW feature that allows your car to communicate its service needs directly to your preferred BMW Center. Learn more about TeleService Bluetooth® Hands-Free Calling, which links a compatible Bluetooth® enabled mobile phone to your vehicle for hands-free calling. You can make and answer calls, and browse and select phonebook contacts using steering wheel controls, radio keys or voice commands.

This is a keyless system designed so that the driver never takes the key out of their pocket or bag. The car senses when the driver tries to open the door and that the key is in close proximity. Then the door automatically unlocks as the driver pulls on the handle. The same happens when the driver tries to start the car. The key is sensed in the car and the driver puts their foot on the brake as required to start the car and presses the start button.

At the heart of our 300-horsepower, 3.0-liter, inline six turbocharged engine is our direct fuel injection system with advanced piezo injector technology. Unlike traditional fuel injection, which calls for fuel to be injected before the intake valves, BMW's Direct Fuel Injection feeds fuel directly into each cylinder, increasing fuel economy, power, torque and emissions control. It also rewards the driver with greater torque for quick response, low speed acceleration and power on demand in all driving conditions.

Double Clutch Gearbox (DKG) is a 7-speed transmission using two independently operating clutches (but no clutch pedal). These control the odd and even gears so power can flow uninterrupted from the longitudinally-mounted engine to the transmission. The result is seamless up- and downshifts and better acceleration. Shifting can be done with a center console mounted gear shifter or with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.

Double VANOS allows the engine to "steplessly" choose valve timing for both intake and exhaust camshafts. Electronically controlled in response to engine speed, load and temperature, Double VANOS maximizes engine response, efficiency and emission control. The benefit: more low- to medium-speed torque for strong acceleration and added flexibility for better highway performance, plus a quieter, smoother engine at idle.

Dynamic Performance Control. Fusing with xDrive, BMW's intelligent all-wheel-drive system, to allow for new directional stability and precision in all conditions, Dynamic Performance Control varies power between the two rear wheels to improve control and pulling force on different surfaces.

Nasty weather. Terrible road conditions. A deer crossing. When a driver loses control, there's usually more than one factor involved. Using built-in sensors to continually monitor multiple variables - such as speed, steering angle, yaw, brake pressure and traction - our Dynamic Stability Control system can detect and, more importantly, help correct the loss of wheel traction immediately. All of which helps to keep you in control, no matter what the circumstances.

Electronic Damping Control (EDC) automatically adjusts the shock absorber settings to meet changes in vehicle speed, load, or road and driving conditions. The driver selects either "Sport" or "Comfort" from the iDrive "Settings" menu. EDC then modifies the shock absorbers to any degree, from the softest to the firmest setting. The result is exceptional riding comfort and fluid, responsive handling at all times. For example, the "Sport" setting increases firmness under all conditions for a sportier driving feel. With the "Comfort" setting, when sensors detect smooth roads, the shock absorbers are kept "soft" for optimum riding comfort. When the vehicle is rounding a sharp corner or curve, the shock absorbers are automatically and instantly adjusted to a firmer level. And when the vehicle encounters irregular road surfaces, such as bumps or a "washboard" surface, the shocks are instantly adjusted to the optimum level of firmness. This controls ride motions, helping to keep ride comfort

Head Protection System. BMW's Head Protection System is an inflatable tubular structure to protect the heads of a vehicle's front and rear seat occupants. Operating in conjunction with the side airbags, the system provides front seat occupants with outstanding protection in the case of severe side impact. It helps protect the head from hitting the side window and being hit by objects penetrating the side window.

It's a simple idea, really: the better your focus is on the road, the more in control you'll be of any driving situation. Our optional Head-Up Display* gives you the ability to see relevant information such as speed and navigation directions, without the need to look down and lose sight of what's ahead of you. The readout appears just beyond the windshield, in your line of vision. It is clear, easy to read, and even responds to light, adjusting its brightness for daytime, nighttime or hazy conditions, so driving is more enjoyable. * Not available with green band windshield.

When descending steep hills, it's sometimes difficult to maintain stability and keep speed in check by "riding the brake." When driving under 20 mph on steeper downhill grades, Hill Descent Control (HDC) can be activated by pressing a button on the console. HDC then gently applies the brakes, as necessary, to help reduce the speed to a nearly constant 3-6 mph. You control the speed by adjusting the +/- button on the steering wheel.

The iDrive Controller, conveniently located on the center console, allows access to a variety of comfort functions displayed on the monitor. The turn/press button enables front-seat occupants to access the menu system and fine-tune settings for climate control, audio system, navigation system and communication with BMW Assist.

It's a sound experience as remarkable as the BMW driving experience. Unlike traditional stereo systems, Logic7 routes two-channel (stereo) sound through a seven-channel playback matrix to create 360-degree Surround Sound. The anti-theft AM/FM stereo CD/MP3 player audio system includes 13 upgraded speakers (including 2 subwoofers), Digital Sound Processing (DSP), Radio Data System (RDS), Auto-Store and 3-channel FM diversity antenna, and it displays MP3 song title and artist.

A throttle per cylinder, electronically controlled (drive-by-wire), with M Dynamic Driving Control (throttle control) offer unmatched handling during sporty maneuvers.

Nappa leather is a full-grain leather typically dyed, made from unsplit kid-, lamb- or sheep-skin by tanning with salts of chromium or aluminum sulfate, and noted for softness and durability. It is often used in high-quality leather products such as high-end furniture and accessories such as wallets and luggage. One example would be interiors of luxury.

Night Vision is BMW's amazing system that lets you see pedestrians or animals up to 328 yards ahead - in the dark. Using an infrared camera built into the front of the vehicle, you will be able to see potential road hazards displayed on your navigation system monitor, and avoid them well before they are visible to the naked eye. This optional feature will make night driving far more pleasurable and worry-free.

So intuitive, it helps you see things you normally can't. Park Distance Control uses eight sensors - four in the front, four in the rear - to measure exactly how far you are from other vehicles and unseen objects when parking. As your bumper approaches a stationary object, the image on the iDrive screen changes and beeping becomes faster, turning into a constant tone when the distance is less than 12 inches.

The Rollover Safety System consists of two steel rollbars behind the headrests in the Z4 Roadsters; they are connected with a highly stable chassis crossbeam. The system is completed by a rollbar of high-strength tubular steel integrated into the roof and A-pillars for maximum safety.

These self-supporting tires with integrated reinforcements allow tires that have experienced a loss of air pressure to maintain their shape and full use. In fact, you can drive on a flat for up to 150 miles at reduced speeds, so you don't have to stop in an unsafe area to change a tire or wait for roadside assistance.* * Cars with run-flat tires do not come equipped with a spare tire. Due to low profile tires, please note that wheels, tires and suspension parts are more susceptible to road hazard and consequential damages.

Servotronic power steering varies its level of assistance based on the vehicle's speed. At low speeds, Servotronic provides a higher level of assist to reduce the amount of effort required to turn the steering wheel, which helps make navigating tight spaces easier. As your speed increases, the amount of assist is gradually reduced for a more direct and taut steering feel.

BMW's exclusive Sun-Reflective Technology helps keep seats and other upholstered surfaces cooler to the touch, even when the top is left down.

When we wanted to connect an MP3 player directly to our vehicle's sound system, we went straight to the experts at Apple. Together, we created the world's first seamless integrated system of iPod and automobile. Just plug your iPod or iPhone into the adapter accessory. Control the volume and your playlists through the multifunction steering wheel, while your iPod or iPhone stays out of view with a constant flow of power. There's also a convenient, standard auxiliary input jack, which allows you to play any MP3 through the audio system.

The motivation behind BMW's patented Valvetronic technology was simple: to enable the engine to breathe more easily. Engineers believed that this would allow for increased power output and optimized fuel efficiency. It was accomplished by varying the lift height of the valves to regulate intake instead of using a traditional throttle. At lower engine loads, the valves only open a small amount, and at full power they open completely.

X-Drive is BMW All-Wheel Drive System. All-Wheel Drive Models have an Xi at the end if it is a car or an X before the number on Sport Activity Vehicles. Example 328Xi, 535Xi, X3, X5 mean that the particular model is all-wheel Drive. Unlike other all-wheel-drive systems, BMW has built theirs with rear wheel bias for surefooted grip on slick roads, without sacrificing the feel of rear wheel drive. It smartly sends power to the wheel or wheels with the surest footing - and it does so in milliseconds. That means under normal conditions, drive forces are spread out with a rear-wheel bias. But the moment the system senses excessive wheel slip, it subtly shifts torque to meet the changing conditions, offering maximum available traction and superior handling on all surfaces.

Our Xenon Adaptive Headlights with distinctive corona rings began as a groundbreaking idea that went on to become a major advancement in safety. Using an electromechanical system, our adaptive headlights follow the direction of the wheels. So as you begin cornering, the headlights turn into and around the bend, which allows you to see more of the road, sooner. Xenon lights, another BMW innovation, help provide clarity by emitting twice as much light as halogen light, while using half as much energy.