2008 BMW 650I CONVERTIBLE traction control

At a glance
13Reference
Controls
Driving tips
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Mobility
Indicator and warning lamps
The concept
The indicator and warning lamps can light up in
different 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
Control Display explain the meaning of the
displayed indicator and warning lamps.
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 urgent cases, this information will be shown
as soon as the corresponding lamp lights up.
Indicator lamps without text messages
The following indicator lamps signal particular
functions:
High beams/headlamp flasher104
Fog lamps106
Handbrake applied60
Handbrake for Canadian models
Lamp flashes:
DSC or DTC is controlling the drive
and braking forces to maintain vehicle
stability87
DTC Dynamic Traction Control88
Engine malfunction with deteriorating
emissions levels222
Engine malfunction with deteriorating
emissions levels for Canadian
models222

At a glance
15Reference
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Driving tips
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Mobility
1Coupe: glass sunroof, electric with raise
function
*40
2Coupe: microphone for hands-free mode
for telephone
* and voice command
system
*23
Convertible: microphone on steering
column
3Reading lamps107
4Interior lamps106
5Coupe: initiating SOS emergency
request227
6Indicator lamp
for front passenger
airbags95
7Convertible: initiating SOS emergency
request
*227
8Control Display16
9Hazard warning flashers
10Central locking system32
11Automatic climate control10812Changing
>radio station163
>track173
13Ejecting
>navigation DVD
*132
>audio CD173
14Programmable memory/direct selection
buttons21
15Drive for navigation DVD in Professional
*
navigation system132
16Drive for audio CDs173
17Entertainment sound output on/off
and adjusting volume159
19Bracket for cup holder118
20Controller16
Turn, press or move horizontally in four
directions
21Opening start menu on Control Display17
22Dynamic Driving Control62 Temperature setting,
left/right108
Automatic air distribution and
volume109
Cooling function111
AUC Automatic recirculated-air
control111
Recirculated-air mode111
Maximum cooling111
Residual heat mode112
Switching off automatic climate
control112
Air volume110
Defrosting windows and removing
condensation110
Rear window defroster108
18
Heated seats*53
PDC Park Distance Control
*85
DTC Dynamic Traction Control88
Convertible: opening the convert-
ible top43
Convertible: closing the convertible
top43

Controls
87Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
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Mobility
Electronic brake-force distribution
This system controls the brake system's appli-
cation pressure at the rear wheels to ensure
stable deceleration.
Brake assistant
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.
Adaptive brake assistant*
In conjunction with the active cruise control
with the stop-and-go function, the adaptive
brake assistant ensures that the brake
responds even more quickly during braking
with the brake assistant.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control
DSC prevents traction loss in the driving wheels
when starting off and accelerating. The system
also identifies unstable driving conditions, such
as a loss of traction at the rear of the vehicle or
sliding of the vehicle in its 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 differ-
ently in the individual wheels.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with DSC. An appropriate driving
style always remains the responsibility of the
driver. Therefore, do not restrict the additional
safety margin with a risky driving style, as other-
wise there is a risk of an accident.<
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
page93.
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 lights up:
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.

Navigation
Entertainment
Driving tips
181Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Mobility
Repeating track
1.Select the current track and press the con-
troller.
2.Select "Repeat track" and press the con-
troller.
To cancel repeat mode:
1.Press the controller.
2.Select "Repeat track" and press the con-
troller.
Random play sequence
You can play back the tracks of the selected list
in random order, e.g. all tracks of an artist.
1.Select the current track and press the con-
troller.
2.Select "Random" and press the controller.
End random playback:
1.Press the controller.
2.Select "Random" and press the controller.
Fast forward/reverse
Buttons next to CD player:
Press and hold the button for the corre-
sponding direction.
Notes
Do not subject the audio device to
extreme environmental conditions, e.g.
extremely high temperatures, refer to the oper-
ating instructions of the audio device. Other-
wise, the audio device can be damaged and the
resulting distraction can reduce road safety
while driving.<
Depending on the configuration of the audio
files, e.g. bit rates greater than 256 Kbit/s,
proper playback cannot always be ensured.
Connecting instructions
>The USB/audio interface supplies the con-
nected audio device with power, provided
the audio device supports this function. It is
therefore unnecessary to connect the audio
device to a socket in the vehicle during
operation.
>Do not force the plug into the USB interface.
>Do not connect any devices, e.g. fans or
lamps, to the USB/audio interface.
>Do not connect USB hard disks.
>Do not use the audio interface to recharge
external devices.

Wheels and tires
212
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 US Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Tire age
The tire's date of manufacture is indicated on
the sidewall:
DOT ... 3307 indicates that the tire was manu-
factured in week 33 of 2007.
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.< 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 3307

Mobility
215Reference
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Recommended tire brands
BMW recommends particular tire brands for
each tire size. You can recognize these from the
clearly visible BMW marking on the tire sidewall.
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. Other-
wise it is not possible to rule out occurrences of
consequential damage.<
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
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.
Rotating wheels between axles
BMW does not recommend moving the front
wheels to the rear or vice versa, as otherwise
the handling characteristics may be impaired.
With tires of different makes and types
* such a
change is not permissible.
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 page88.<

Reference 247
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Direct selection buttons21
Displacement, refer to Engine
data234
"Display"84
Display, refer to iDrive
controls16
Display elements, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Displaying vehicle data205
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting106
"Display off"21
Displays
– on Control Display, refer to
iDrive16
– refer to Instrument
cluster12
"Display settings"84,97
Displays on the windshield,
refer to Head-Up Display96
Disposal
– battery of remote control
with comfort access38
– coolant219
– vehicle battery225
Distance, refer to
Computer76
Distance control, refer to
Active cruise control66
"Distance to dest."76
Distance to destination, refer
to Computer76
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control85
Door entry lighting, refer to
Interior lamps106
Door key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Door lock32
"Door locks"30,78
Doors
– manual operation32
– remote control30,31
DOT Quality Grades212
Draft-free ventilation112
"Driver's door only"30Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams102
Driving route, refer to
Displaying route147
Driving stability control
systems86
Driving through water126
Driving tips, refer to General
driving notes124
Drying the air, refer to Cooling
function111
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control
87
– indicator lamp13,87
– malfunction88
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control87
– activating88
– indicator lamp13,88
DVD for navigation132
Dynamic Drive89
Dynamic Driving Control62
"Dynamic route" for
navigation145
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC87
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC87
E
Easy entry, refer to Entering
rear51
Easy entry/exit54
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on CD player158
Electrical malfunction
– convertible top43
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door208
– glass sunroof41
– luggage compartment lid34
– storage compartment, hotel
function33
Electric convertible top42Electric steering wheel
adjustment54
Electronic brake-force
distribution87
Electronic oil level check218
Emergency assistance, refer
to Roadside Assistance228
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– convertible top43
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door208
– glass sunroof41
– hotel function33
– luggage compartment lid34
– transmission lock, sport
automatic transmission62
Emergency release for
luggage compartment lid in
luggage compartment35
Emergency request227
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance228
"Enable services"205
"End call"192
Engine
– breaking-in124
– data234
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature74
– speed234
– starting59
– starting, comfort access36
– switching off59
– switching off when equipped
with Automatic
transmission, with comfort
access38
Engine compartment217
Engine coolant219

Everything from A to Z
258 Torque, refer to Engine
data234
Touch tone dialing, refer to
Tone dialing method194
Tow bar230
Tow fitting229
Towing229
– methods230
– tow fittings229
– with manual
transmission230
– with Sport automatic
transmission230
"Town / City" for destination
entry135
Tow rope231
Tow-starting229
"TPM"91
TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor90
– resetting system91
– system limits91
– warning lamp92
Tracks
– finding174
– random sequence175
– sampling on CD174
– selecting with CD173
Track width, refer to
Dimensions235
Traction-assist feature, refer
to DSC Dynamic Stability
Control87
Traction control, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control87
Traffic congestion
– displaying traffic
information150
– refer to Bypassing route
sections150
Traffic information for
navigation150
– depiction in route map152
– displaying151
– during destination
guidance153
– symbols152"Traffic Info settings"151
Transmission
– manual transmission60
– sport automatic
transmission60
– starting assistant88
– towing230
– transmission lock, manually
locking and unlocking, sport
automatic transmission62
Transporting children
safely56
Transport securing device,
refer to Securing cargo128
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tread depth
213
Treble, refer to Tone
control159
"Treble", tone control159
"Trip computer"77
Trip computer76
Trip-distance counter
– refer to Trip computer76
– refer to Trip meter74
"Triple turn signal"64
Trip meter, also refer to Trip
computer76
Trip odometer74
Trunk, refer to Luggage
compartment35
Trunk lid, refer to Luggage
compartment lid34
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions235
Turn signals63
U
Undercarriage protection,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Uniform Tire Quality Grading/
UTQR212
"Units"84
Units
– average fuel
consumption84
– temperature84Universal garage-door
opener, refer to Integrated
universal remote
control115
Universal remote control, refer
to Integrated universal
remote control115
"Unlock button"30
Unlocking
– from inside33
– from outside30
– without key, refer to Comfort
access36
"Update services"203
USB/audio interface179
"USB" in audio mode180
"Use current location as
address"142,144
Used batteries
– refer to Disposal225
– refer to Replacing battery38
Using turn signals63
V
Vehicle
– battery225
– breaking-in124
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– cargo loading127
– measurements, refer to
Dimensions235
– parking59
– washing, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
– weights237
"Vehicle / Tires" for
unlocking30
Vehicle jack225
– jacking points225
Vehicle position, refer to
Displaying current
position153
Ventilation112
– draft-free112
– for cooling112
– parked car ventilation112