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4.Select the menu item to be set
5.Press the controller
6.Select the desired measurement unit
and press the controller.
Depending on which key you have used to
open the vehicle, the last settings are
applied.
Language on Control Display
The language on the Control Display can
be set.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16:
1.Open the menu
2.Select "Display settings" and press the
controller
3.Select "Languages" and press the con-
troller
4.Select "Text language" and press the
controller. You can select a different
language for the text displays
5.Select the desired language and press
the controller.
Depending on which key you have used to
open the vehicle, the last adjustment is
applied.
Setting time
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16:
1.Open the menu
2.Select "Display settings" and press the
controller
3.Select "Time" and press the controller
4.Select "Set time" and press the control-
ler. The hours are selected
5.Turn the controller to set the hours
6.Press the controller to apply the setting.
The next adjustment is highlighted
7.Make the remaining adjustments. After
the last adjustment, the time is stored.
12h/24h mode
The mode can be set.
1.Select "Time format" and press the
controller
2.Select the desired mode and press the
controller.
Depending on which key you have used to
open the vehicle, the last adjustment is
applied.
Switching on hour signal*
You will hear three tones just before each
full hour.
Select "Hour memo" and press the control-
ler.
The hour signal is activated.
Everything under control
74
Setting date
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16:
1.Open the menu
2.Select "Display settings" and press the
controller
3.Select "Date" and press the controller
4.Select "Set date" and press the control-
ler. The first section of the date display
is highlighted, here the day
5.Turn the controller to make the adjust-
ment
6.Press the controller to apply the setting.
The next adjustment is highlighted
7.Make the remaining adjustments. After
the last adjustment, the date is stored.
Changing date format
The date format can be set.
1.Select "Date format" and press the con-
troller
2.Select the desired format and press the
controller.
Depending on which key you have used to
open the vehicle, the last adjustment is
applied.
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Technology for comfort, convenience
and safety
PDC Park Distance Control*
The concept
The PDC assists you when you are parking.
Signal tones and a visual display
* indicate
the current distance to an object behind or
in front of your vehicle. To measure the dis-
tance, there are four ultrasonic sensors in
each bumper. The sensors at the front and
at the two rear corners have a range of
approx. 20 in/50 cm; the rear middle sen-
sors have approx. 5 ft/1.50 m.
PDC is a parking aid that can indicate
objects when they are approached
slowly, as is usually the case when parking.
Avoid approaching an object at high speed,
as otherwise the physical circumstances
would mean that the system warning was
too late.<
Automatic mode
In ignition key position 2, the system auto-
matically assumes operational status after
a few seconds each time you engage
reverse gear or selector-lever position R.
Wait this short period before driving.<
The system is automatically deacti-
vated once the vehicle travels approx.
165 ft/50 m or exceeds a speed of roughly
20 mph/30 km/h; the indicator lamp goes
out. You can reactivate the system manu-
ally as needed.
Manual mode
With the ignition key in position 2, press the
button; the indicator lamp lights up.
Deactivating manual mode
Press the button again; the indicator lamp
goes out.
Signal tones
The signal indicating the distance to the
nearest obstacle is directional. Thus, an
object detected to the left rear of the vehi-
cle will be indicated by a signal tone from
the left rear speaker, etc. As the distance
between vehicle and object decreases, the
intervals between the tones become
shorter. The signal tone becomes continu-
ous once the distance to the nearest object
falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm.
The warning signal is canceled after
approx. 3 seconds if you are moving paral-
lel to a wall.
Malfunctions
The indicator lamp within the button
flashes and a message appears on the
Control Display. PDC has failed. Switch off
PDC. Have the system checked.
As a preventive measure, keep the sensors
clean and free of ice or snow in order to
ensure that they will continue to operate
effectively.
PDC with visual warning*
You also enjoy the option of having the sys-
tem show distances to objects on the Con-
trol Display. The Control Display will also
Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
76 indicate the presence of objects in green
before they are close enough to generate a
signal tone.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16:
1.Press button.
The start menu is opened
2.Press the controller to open the menu
3.Select "Vehicle settings" and press the
controller
4.Select "PDC" and press the controller
5.Select "Monitor display on" and press
the controller.
The PDC screen is activated.
The display appears on the Control Display
as soon as PDC is activated.
Depending on which key you have used to
open the vehicle, the last adjustment is
applied.
System limits
Even with PDC, final responsibility for
estimating the distance between the
vehicle and any obstructions always
remains with the driver. Even when sensors
are involved, there is a blind spot in which objects cannot be detected. The system is
also subject to the physical limits that apply
to all forms of ultrasonic measurement,
such as those encountered with thin and
wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low objects
already displayed, e.g. a curb, can also dis-
appear from the detection area of the sen-
sors again before a continuous tone
sounds.
Loud noises from outside and inside your
vehicle may prevent you from hearing the
PDC signal tone.<
Do not apply high pressure spray to
the sensors for a prolonged period of
time. Keep the spray at least 4 in/10 cm
away from the sensors.<
Driving stability control
systems
Your BMW is equipped with an extended
array of systems designed to enhance and
maintain vehicle stability under extreme
conditions. The following section describes
these functions based on ABS and DSC.
ABS Antilock Brake System
ABS enhances active safety by preventing
the wheels from locking under braking.
ABS is operational every time you start the
engine. ABS includes the functions CBC
Cornering Brake Control and EBV Elec-
tronic brake-force distribution.
CBC Cornering Brake Control
It provides further enhancements in vehicle
stability and steering response during lane
changes and cornering at high rates of lat-
eral acceleration.
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution
EBV controls the brake system's applica-
tion pressure at the rear wheels to ensure
stable deceleration.
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DSC Dynamic Stability Control
DSC optimizes vehicle stability during
acceleration and when starting from a full
stop, as well as optimizing traction. The
system recognizes any tendency for the
vehicle to assume an unstable attitude
such as oversteer or understeer; it then
counteracts this tendency with a combina-
tion of graduated reductions in engine
torque and selective braking intervention at
individual wheels. DSC provides optimal
stability within the limits defined by the
laws of physics.
The DSC is operational every time you start
the engine. DSC includes the functionality
of the DTC Dynamic Traction Control and
DBC Dynamic Brake Control, see below.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp goes out soon
after you start the engine.
The indicator lamp flashes:
DSC controls the drive and braking forces.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
DSC has been switched off via the button.
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
In special driving states, e.g. in deep snow,
DTC ensures maximum forward momen-
tum. The gain in forward momentum also
involves a reduction in driving stability.
DTC is active up to approx. 45 mph/
70 km/h, whereas DSC is only effective to
a limited degree.
You may find it useful to briefly activate
DTC under the following special circum-
stances:
>When rocking the vehicle and starting
off in deep snow or on loose road sur-
faces
>When ascending snow-covered hills,
and when driving in deep or on hard-
packed snow
>When driving with snow chains.
Activating DTC
>Press the DSC button briefly; the DTC
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
lights up continuously.
Deactivating DTC again
Press the DSC button briefly again; the
DTC indicator lamp in the instrument clus-
ter goes out.
Switching off DSC
Press the DSC button until the DSC indica-
tor light in the instrument cluster lights up
continuously, however not longer than
approx. 10 seconds. DSC and DTC are
deactivated. In addition, the stability pro-
moting intervention of the active steering is
deactivated, refer to page 80.
A message appears on the Control Display.
Please note any supplementary information
that appears there.
To maintain optimal stability, drive
with the system on whenever possi-
ble.<
Reactivating DSC
Press the DSC button briefly; the indicator
lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.
Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
78 The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with DSC. An appro-
priate driving style always remains the
responsibility of the driver. Therefore, do
not reduce the additional safety margin
again by taking risks.<
DBC Dynamic Brake Control
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this
system automatically produces the maxi-
mum braking force boost and thus helps to
achieve the shortest braking distance dur-
ing panic stops. This system exploits all of
the benefits provided by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake
pedal for the duration of the brake applica-
tion. When the brake pedal is released,
DBC is deactivated.
Malfunctions of driving stability
control systems
The brake system warning lamp
lights up in red, appearing together
with the indicator lamps for ABS
and DSC. A message appears on
the Control Display. Driving stability
control and ABS have failed. Con-
ventional braking efficiency remains
available without limitations.
While you may continue, you should
remember to proceed cautiously and drive
defensively while avoiding full brake appli-
cations.
Have the system checked as soon as pos-
sible.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
The DSC warning lamp lights up.
DSC and DTC have failed.
The stability maintenance functions
are no longer available. The vehicle will
remain completely operational, however,
without DSC.Have the system checked as soon as pos-
sible.
The warning lamp for the brake sys-
tem lights up yellow and a message
appears on the Control Display.
DBC has failed.
Have the system checked as soon as pos-
sible.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
Active roll stabilization*
The concept
Active roll stabilization minimizes body roll
and optimizes vehicle stability during cor-
nering and evasive maneuvers.
Dynamic stabilizers at the front and rear
axles form the basis for active roll stabiliza-
tion. Suspension compliance adapts to suit
driving conditions, varying from perfor-
mance-oriented during cornering to
smooth and comfort-oriented when the
vehicle is proceeding in a straight line. Dur-
ing vehicle operation, the system continu-
ously runs through closed-loop control
cycles lasting only fractions of a second.
The system assumes operational status
each time you start the engine.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up and a
message appears on the Control
Display. There is a malfunction in
the system. Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
If there is a malfunction in the system,
please remember to adapt your
speed accordingly, especially in curves.
The suspension will be noticeably softer
and the vehicle will display a greater ten-
dency to tilt during cornering and in cross-
winds.
If a message stating that you should stop
appears on the Control Display, stop and
switch off the engine as soon as possible.
In this case the oil level in the reservoir may
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have dropped below the minimum, possi-
bly owing to a leak in the hydraulic system.
Do not continue driving. Contact your BMW
center.<
Flat Tire Monitor
The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor keeps track of the
inflation pressures in the four tires as you
drive. The system provides an alert when-
ever the inflation pressure drops signifi-
cantly in relation to the pressure in another
tire.
The check of the tire inflation pressure is
based on monitoring the relative speeds
of the wheels. A flat tire is detected and
reported on the basis of a deviation in cer-
tain speed ratios.
Functional requirement
To ensure reliable operation, the system
should have been initialized with the cor-
rect tire inflation pressure.
System limits
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot indicate
sudden severe tire damage caused
by outside factors and does not detect a
natural, even pressure drop in all four
tires.<
In the following situations, the system
could be delayed or malfunction:
>When you are driving on snow-covered
or slippery road surfaces
>In the case of performance-oriented
driving: slip on the drive wheels, high
lateral acceleration
>False alarms and undetected loss of
pressure may occur when you are driv-
ing with snow chains fitted
>If the Flat Tire Monitor was not initial-
ized after the last inflation pressure cor-
rection, false alarms indicating a flat tire
that is not present are possible or pres-
sure loss might not be detected.
Initializing system
Perform the initialization immediately
after correcting the inflation pressure,
after changing a tire or changing a wheel or
all wheels. A drive is necessary for this pur-
pose.<
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16:
1.Start the engine, but do not drive off
2.Open the menu
3.Select "Vehicle settings" and press the
controller
4.Select "FTM" and press the controller
5.Select "Set tire pressure" and press the
controller
6.Select "Yes" and press the controller
7.Drive off.
The message "Initializing" is displayed.
It takes a few minutes before the Flat Tire
Monitor can detect and report a flat tire and
"Status: Active" is displayed.
If a flat tire is detected during initialization,
a message appears on the Control Display.
When driving with snow chains, do
not initialize the system.<
Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
80
Report of a flat tire
The warning lamp lights up in red
and a message appears on the
Control Display. In addition, an
acoustic signal sounds. There is a flat tire
or extensive inflation pressure loss.
1.Cautiously reduce the vehicle speed to
below 50 mph/80 km/h. Avoid sudden
braking and steering maneuvers. Do
not exceed a vehicle speed of 50 mph/
80 km/h
Due to the reinforcement on the
side walls of the run-flat tires,
inflation pressure loss can not usually
be recognized from the outside, refer to
Run-flat tires on page 168.<
2.To continue driving, comply with the
instructions for driving with damaged
tires on page 168.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up yellow
and a message appears on the
Control Display. The Flat Tire Moni-
tor has a malfunction or has failed. Have
the system checked as soon as possible.
Active steering*
The concept
The active steering is a system that actively
varies the steering angle of the front wheels
in relation to the steering wheel move-
ments.
When you are driving in the low road speed
range, e.g. in a town or when parking, the
steering angle of the wheels is reinforced,
i.e. the steering becomes very direct.
In the higher speed range, on the other
hand, the steering angle of the wheels is
reduced more and more. This improves the
handling capability of your BMW over the
entire speed range.
In critical situations, the system can make
targeted changes to the steering angle pro-
vided by the driver and thus stabilize the
vehicle before the driver intervenes.
Malfunction
The fixed warning lamp lights up.
The active steering is no longer
operational. In the low speed range,
greater steering wheel movement is neces-
sary. Have the system checked.
If the warning lamp lights up during the first
engine starting following a power supply
interruption, the system must be activated
with initialization.
Initializing system
1.Start the engine
2.With the vehicle stationary, turn the
steering wheel from the straight-ahead
position to the left as far as it will go and
then back to the straight-ahead position
3.Switch off the engine.
When you start the engine again, all the
functions of the active steering are avail-
able once again.
Brake Force Display
The two-stage brake lamps light up in two
stages depending on how strongly you
brake.
>Normal braking:
The brake lamps and the third brake
lamp go on
>Heavy braking and braking with ABS:
In addition, the light area of the rear
brake lamps is enlarged, refer to illus-
tration.