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40n
Alarm system  Electric power windows >If the indicator lamp flashes for 
10 seconds when the system is 
disarmed: an attempted entry has 
been detected in the period since the 
system was armed. 
Following triggering of an alarm, the 
indicator lamp will flash continuously. Avoiding unintentional alarmsThe tilt alarm sensor and interior motion 
sensor may be switched off at the same 
time. To prevent an unintentional alarm 
from being triggered, in garages with 
elevator ramps, for instance, or when 
the vehicle is transported by trailer or 
train: 
Lock the vehicle twice, i. e. arm the 
system. Press button of the remote 
control twice in succession or actuate 
the locks twice with the key.
The indicator lamp lights up briefly and 
then flashes continuously. The tilt alarm 
sensor and the interior motion sensor 
are deactivated as long as the system is 
armed. 
Interior motion sensor In order for the interior motion sensor to 
function properly, the windows and 
sliding/tilt sunroof must be completely 
closed. 
However, be sure to switch off the inte-
rior motion sensor Ð refer to the 
previous column Ð when you
>leave children or animals in the 
vehicle
>intend to leave the windows or 
sliding/tilt sunroof open. 
Open and close windowsFrom ignition key position 1: 
>Press the switch up to the pressure 
point:
The window continues to move as 
long as you continue to hold the 
switch 
>Press the switch beyond the pressure 
point:
The window moves downward auto-
matically. Touch the switch again to 
stop the opening movement. 
You can close the windows in the same 
manner by pulling the switch.530us020 
     
        
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91n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
PDC
*  Dynamic Stability Control DSC 
The PDC system does not remove 
the driver's personal responsibility 
for evaluating the distance between the 
vehicle and any objects. Even when 
sensors are involved, there is a blind 
spot in which objects cannot be 
detected. This applies especially in 
those cases where the system 
approaches the physical constraints of 
ultrasonic measurement, as occurs with 
tow bars and trailer couplings, and in 
the vicinity of thin or wedge-shaped 
objects. Similarly, low objects that have 
already been detected - e.g. a curb-
stone - may disappear out of the range 
of the sensors before a continuous tone 
is emitted. 
Loud sources of sound, inside and out-
side the vehicle, could drown out the 
PDC signal tone.< 
Keep the sensors clean and free 
of ice or snow in order to ensure 
that they continue to operate effectively.
Do not apply high pressure spray to the 
sensors for a prolonged period of time. 
Maintain an adequate distance of more 
than 4 in/10 cm.< 
The concept DSC maintains vehicle stability, even in 
critical driving situations.
The system optimizes vehicle stability 
during acceleration and when starting 
from a full stop, as well as optimizing 
traction. In addition, it recognizes 
unstable vehicle conditions, such as 
understeering or oversteering, and, as 
far as is possible within the laws of 
physics, keeps the vehicle on a steady 
course by adapting the rpms and brake 
applications to the individual wheels.
The system starts up automatically 
each time you start the engine.
Indicator lamp 
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out shortly 
after you switch on the ignition, 
refer to page 21. 
Indicator lamp ßashes: 
The system is active and governs drive 
and braking force. 
If the indicator lamp fails to go out after 
the engine is started, or comes on 
during normal driving and stays on: 
The system is either defective or was 
switched off with the button: the stabi-
lizing applications described to the left 
are no longer available. The vehicle will 
remain completely operational, how-
ever, without DSC.
Consult your BMW Sports Activity 
Vehicle center to have the system 
repaired.  
     
        
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94n
Self-leveling suspension
*
2-axle self-leveling suspension
*
The warning lamp for the self-
leveling suspension comes on, 
or the message Ð SELFLEVEL 
SUSP.INACT Ð appears in the Check 
Control: there is a malfunction in the 
self-leveling suspension.
Stop and inspect the vehicle. If it is 
riding significantly lower in the rear than 
in the front, or if it is sitting at an incline 
Ð left rear compared to right rear - con-
sult the nearest BMW Sports Activity 
Vehicle center. Drive with appropriate 
caution in the meantime. The vehicle 
has reduced ground clearance or 
driving comfort is noticeably reduced.
Even if the attitude of the vehicle is 
normal, you should consult the nearest 
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center if 
the warning lamp indicates a system 
malfunction.
The conceptYour vehicle is equipped with 2-axle 
self-leveling suspension acting on both 
the front and rear suspension. This 
system combines automatic self-lev-
eling, which compensates for variations 
in front-to-rear load-distribution pat-
terns, with a selection feature allowing 
drivers to choose from among several 
ride-height options.
You may choose from among the fol-
lowing ride heights:
>Standard
The standard setting is intended for 
most operating conditions, including 
trailer towing
>Off-Road
Higher ride height for increased 
ground clearance
>Access
Lowers vehicle for more convenient 
cargo handling or easier passenger 
ingress and exitsChanges in ride height are initiated 
either manually, using the control 
button, refer to page 95, or automati-
cally in response to specific speeds. 
When the ride height is selected manu-
ally, the driver has the additional option 
of revising the ride-height selection by 
entering a new command during the 
adjustment process.
When the vehicle is stationary, the 
system executes ride-height changes in 
both directions (up and down) when-
ever the doors are closed. The tailgate/
liftgate may be open. The system raises 
the vehicle only when the engine is run-
ning.
The system's automatic self-leveling 
feature automatically compensates for 
variations in the vehicle's load.
Frequent changes in ride height 
initiated at short intervals can 
overheat the compressor, causing the 
system to briefly suspend active opera-
tion.<