2006 BMW 650I COUPE&CONVERTIBLE traction control

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Indicator and warning lamps
The concept
Indicator and warning lamps can light up both in
the display area1 and in the display2 in various
combinations and colors.
When the engine is started or the ignition is
switched on, some lamps are checked for
proper operation and light up briefly in the pro-
cess.
Explanatory text messages
Text messages at the bottom edge of the Con-
trol Display explain the meaning of the indicator
and warning lamps displayed.
You can consult Check Control for additional
information, e.g. regarding the cause of a mal-function or the appropriate actions to take, refer
to page79.
In cases of corresponding urgency, this infor-
mation is immediately displayed when the
associated lamps light up.
Indicator lamps without text messages
The following indicator lamps in the display
area1 indicate that certain functions are active:
Handbrake set60
Handbrake for Canadian models
Front fog lamps103
DTC Dynamic Traction Control87
High beams/headlamp flasher101
Lamp flashes:
DSC or DTC is controlling the drive
and braking forces to maintain vehicle
stability87

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1Coupe: glass sunroof, electric with raise
function
*40
2Microphone for handsfree mode for
telephone
*
and voice command system*22
Convertible: microphone on steering
column
3Reading lamps103
4Interior lamps103
5Coupe: initiating
an emergency call206
6Indicator lamp
for front passenger
airbags93
7Convertible: initiating emergency
call
*206
8Control Display16
9Hazard warning flashers
10Central locking system32
11Automatic climate control10412Changing
>radio station149
>track144
13Ejecting
>navigation DVD
*124
>audio CD144
14Player for navigation DVD in Professional
*
navigation system124
15Drive for audio CDs144
16Entertainment sound output on/off
and adjusting volume145
18Bracket for cup holder113
19Controller16
Turn, press or move horizontally in four
directions
20Activating voice command system
*22
21Opening start menu on Control Display17
22Dynamic Driving Control64 Temperature setting,
left/right104
Automatic air distribution and
volume105
Cooling function106
AUC Automatic recirculated-air
control107
Recirculated-air mode107
Maximum cooling107
Residual heat mode107
Switching off automatic climate
control107
Air volume106
Defrosting windows and removing
condensation106
Rear window defroster104
17
Heated seats52
PDC Park Distance Control
*85
DTC Dynamic Traction Control87
Convertible: opening the convert-
ible top42
Convertible: closing the convertible
top42

Driving
60
Switching engine off
Do not remove the remote control from
the ignition lock while the vehicle is roll-
ing, otherwise the steering wheel lock would
engage while steering.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
remote control with you.
When parking on a downhill incline, apply the
handbrake, as otherwise the vehicle could roll
away.<
Manual transmission
1.Briefly press Start/Stop button with vehicle
stopped.
2.Shift into first gear or reverse.
3.Apply handbrake.
SMG Sequential Manual
Transmission*
1.Apply handbrake.
2.Move selector lever into a drive position.
3.Briefly press Start/Stop button.
If the position N is engaged when the
engine is switched off, this is pointed out
visually and acoustically.
Automatic transmission*
1.Move selector lever into position P with
vehicle stopped.
2.Briefly press Start/Stop button.
Handbrake
The handbrake is primarily intended to prevent
the vehicle from rolling while parked; it brakes
the rear wheels.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp lights up, and a sig-
nal also sounds when starting off. The
handbrake is engaged.
Indicator lamp for Canadian models.
Engaging
The lever engages automatically.
Releasing
Pull slightly upwards, press the button and
lower the lever.
If exceptional circumstances should
make it necessary to engage the hand-
brake while the vehicle is in motion, do not pull it
too strongly. In doing so, continuously press the
button of the handbrake lever. Otherwise,
excessive pressure can lead to the rear wheels
locking up and loss of traction – fishtailing – at
the rear axle.<
To prevent corrosion and one-sided brak-
ing action, occasionally apply the hand-
brake lightly when the vehicle is slowly coming
to a stop if the traffic conditions are suitable.
The brake lamps do not light up when the hand-
brake is engaged.<
Manual transmission
When shifting into 5th/6th gear, press the
selector-lever toward the right, otherwise
an inadvertent shift into 3rd or 4th gear could
lead to engine damage.<

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
86 sounds. The setting is stored for the remote
control currently in use.
iDrive, for explanation of principle, refer to
page16.
1.Open the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the menu.
3.Select "Vehicle settings" and press the
controller.
4.Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the
controller until "PDC" is selected and press
the controller.
5.Select "PDC display on" and press the con-
troller.
The PDC screen is activated.
The display appears on the Control Display as
soon as PDC is activated.
System limits
Even with PDC, final responsibility for
estimating the distance between the
vehicle and any obstacles always remains with
the driver. 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 con-
straints of ultrasonic measurement, as occurs
with tow bars and trailer couplings, and in the
vicinity of thin or wedge-shaped objects. Low
objects already displayed, e.g. a curb, can dis-
appear from the detection area of the sensors
again before a continuous tone sounds. Higher,
protruding objects, e.g. ledges, cannot be
detected. Loud noises from outside and inside
the vehicle may prevent you from hearing the
PDC signal tone.<
Driving stability control
systems
Your BMW is equipped with an extended array
of systems designed to enhance and maintain
vehicle stability under extreme conditions.
ABS Antilock Brake System
ABS prevents the wheels from locking during
braking. Safe steering response is maintained
even during hard braking. This increases active
driving safety.
ABS is operational every time you start the
engine. For information on safe braking, refer to
page119.
CBC Cornering Brake Control
This system provides further enhancements to
vehicle stability and steering response when
braking while cornering or when braking during
a lane change.
Electronic brake-force distribution
This system controls the brake system's appli-
cation pressure at the rear wheels to ensure
stable deceleration.
DBC Dynamic Brake Control
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 exploits all of the benefits pro-
vided by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
for the duration of the full braking.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control
DSC prevents traction loss in the driving wheels
when starting off and accelerating. DSC also
detects unstable driving conditions such as
fishtailing or sliding of the vehicle's front
wheels. In these cases, DSC helps the vehicle
safely stay on course within the physical limits
by reducing the engine output and by applying
the brakes differently in the individual wheels.

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The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with DSC. An appropriate driving
style always remains the responsibility of the
driver. Do not reduce the additional safety mar-
gin of the system by taking risks.<
Deactivating DSC
Press the button until the DSC indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster lights up, but not for
longer than approx. 10 seconds. DTC Dynamic
Traction Control and DSC are deactivated
together. Interventions promoting stability and
forward momentum will no longer be carried
out. The stability-promoting intervention of the
active steering
* is also deactivated, refer to
page92.
A message appears on the Control Display.
Please note any supplementary information
that appears there.
To support enhanced operating stability, reacti-
vate DSC again as soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Press the button; the indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
For better control
The indicator lamp flashes:
DSC is controlling the drive forces and
brake forces.
The indicator lamp comes on:
DSC is deactivated.
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
DTC is a variant of DSC for special road condi-
tions, e.g. uncleared snow-covered roads, that
is optimized for forward momentum. The sys-tem ensures maximum forward momentum, but
with limited driving stability. Therefore, drive
with appropriate caution.
You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC
under the following special circumstances:
>When driving on snowy inclines, in slush, or
on unplowed, snow-covered road surfaces
>When rocking a stuck vehicle free or when
starting off in deep snow or on loose ground
>When driving with snow chains
*
Activating DTC
Press the button; the DTC indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
For better control
The indicator lamp flashes:
DSC is controlling the drive forces and
brake forces.
The indicator lamp comes on:
DTC is activated.
Deactivating DTC
Press the button again; the DTC indicator lamp
in the instrument cluster goes out.
Dynamic Drive*
The concept
Dynamic Drive minimizes body roll and opti-
mizes vehicle stability during cornering and
evasive maneuvers.
Dynamic Drive is based on active stabilizers on
the front and rear axles. Suspension compli-

Wheels and tires
190
Tire identification marks
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire
makes it easier to identify and choose the right
tires.
Tire size
Speed letter
T = up to 118 mph/190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph/210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph/240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph/270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph/300 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of
the U.S. Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Tire age
The tire's date of manufacture is indicated on
the sidewall:
DOT ... 0806 indicates that a tire was manufac-
tured in week 8 of the year 2006.
BMW recommends replacing all tires at least
every 6 years, even if some tires may last for
10 years.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Tread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform to
Federal Safety Requirements in addition
to these grades.<
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half, 1γ, times as well on the govern-
ment course as a tire graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the norm due to varia-
tions in driving habits, service practices and dif-
ferences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C.
These grades represent the tire's ability to stop
on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration, cor-
nering, hydroplaning, or peak traction charac-
teristics.<
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate e.g.
Nominal width in mm
Aspect ratio in Ξ
Belted construction – radial
Rim diameter in inches
Carrying capacity ID-code
(not in ZR tires)
Speed code letter
(in ZR tires before the R)
245/45 R 18 96 W
e.g.
Manufacturer code
for tire make
Tire size and tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 0806

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With proper use, these tires meet the highest
standards for safety and handling characteris-
tics.
Run-flat tires
When installing new tires or when changing
from summer tires to winter tires, for your own
safety, use run-flat tires. No spare wheel is pro-
vided in the event of a flat. Your BMW center will
be glad to advise you.
For safety reasons, BMW recommends
that you do not have damaged run-flat
tires repaired; they should be replaced.<
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for use in cold
winter driving conditions. Although all-season
M+S tires provide better winter traction than
summer tires, they generally fail to provide the
same levels of cold-weather performance as
winter tires.
Watch speed
Always observe the maximum permissi-
ble speed for the winter tires, otherwise
tire damage may occur, which can result in acci-
dents.<
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as possible.
Always protect tires against all contact with oil,
grease and fuels. Do not exceed the maximum
tire inflation pressure indicated on the side wall
of the tire.
Snow chains*
BMW only tests certain fine-link snow chains,
classifies them as road-safe and recommends
them. Consult your BMW center for more infor-
mation.
These snow chains are approved exclusively for
use in pairs on the rear wheels with the tire size:
>245/50 R 17 Y
>245/45 R 18 Y
Observe the manufacturer's instructions when
mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed
of 30 mph/50 km/h with the chains mounted.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor after
installing snow chains as this could cause
the Flat Tire Monitor to malfunction.
When driving with snow chains, it may be prac-
tical to briefly activate DTC, refer to page87.<

Reference 227
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Drying the air, refer to Cooling
function106
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control86
– indicator lamp13,87
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control87
– activating87
– indicator lamp13,87
DVD for navigation124
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC86
Dynamic Drive87
Dynamic Driving Control64
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC86
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC87
E
Easy entry, refer to Entering
rear51
Easy entry/exit53
EBV, refer to Electronic brake-
force distribution86
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on CD player144
Electrical malfunction
– convertible top43
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door186
– glass sunroof41
– luggage compartment lid34
– storage compartment, hotel
function33
Electric steering wheel
adjustment53
Electronic brake-force
distribution86
Electronic oil level check195
Emergency assistance, refer
to Roadside Assistance207
Emergency call206Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– convertible top43
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door186
– glass sunroof41
– hotel function33
– luggage compartment lid34
– selector lever interlock,
automatic transmission63
Emergency release for
luggage compartment lid in
luggage compartment35
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance207
"Emission inspect."78
"Enable services"180
"End call"171
"End Night Vision"99
Engine
– breaking-in118
– data214
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature74
– speed214
– starting59
– starting, comfort access36
– starting difficulties59
– switching off60
– switching off when equipped
with Automatic trans-
mission, with comfort
access38
Engine compartment195
Engine coolant197
Engine oil
– additives
196
– approved oils196
– electronic oil level check195
– recommended oils196
– temperature75
– temperature gauge75
– topping off196
"Engine oil level"196
Engine output, refer to Engine
data214Engine overheating, refer to
Coolant temperature74
Engine speed, refer to Engine
specifications214
Engine starting, refer to
Starting engine59
"Enter address"126,132
Entering address125,128
Entering destination via town/
city name126
Entering intersection127
Entering rear51
Entering town/city for
navigation126
Entering zip code for
navigation127
"Entertainment"144
"Entertainment
settings"145,152
Entertainment sound output
on/off145
Entry map for destination129
Equalizer, refer to Tone
control147
"Equalizer", tone control147
"ESN"154
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control86
Event data recorders200
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system118
Exterior mirrors52
– automatic dimming
feature53
– automatic heating53
– folding in and out52
– tilting down passenger-side
mirror53
Eye for tow-starting and
towing, refer to Tow
fitting208
Eyes for lashing, refer to
Securing cargo121