2008 BMW 750I Owner's Manual

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1.Press the button to open the start
menu.
2.Move the controller toward "Settings".
3.Select "Vehicle" and press the controller.
4.Select "PDC pic." and press the controller.
This activates the PDC display.
The display appears as soon as PDC is acti-
vated.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
To exit the menu:
Select the arrow and press the controller.
System limits
Even with PDC, final responsibility for
estimating the distance between the
vehicle and any objects always remains with the
driver. Even when sensors are involved, there is
a blind spot in which objects cannot be
detected. The system's detection of objects is
also subject to the physical limits that apply to
all forms of ultrasonic measurement, such as
those encountered with tow bars and trailer
couplings, as well as thin or wedge-shaped
objects. Low objects already indicated, such as
curb edges, may enter the blind spot of the sen-
sors before or after a continuous audible signal is given. Higher, protruding objects, such as
wall ledges, may not be detectable.
Loud noises from outside and inside the vehicle
may also prevent you from hearing the PDC's
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
page123.
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
The system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure a stable braking behavior.
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.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control
DSC prevents traction loss in the driving wheels
when starting off and accelerating. The system
also detects unstable driving conditions such

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
88 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 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. Do not squander your added margin of
safety by driving dangerously; otherwise you
run the risk of causing an accident.<
Deactivating DSC
1.Press the button to open the start
menu.
2.Move the controller toward "Settings".
3.Select "DTC" and press the controller for at
least 3 seconds.
The LED for "DTC" and the DSC indicator lamp
on the Info Display light up. DTC Dynamic Trac-
tion Control and DSC Dynamic Stability Control
are deactivated together. Interventions promot-
ing stability and forward momentum will no
longer be carried out.
To promote enhanced operating stability, reac-
tivate DSC again as soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Select "DTC" and press the controller.
The LED on the Control Display and the DSC
indicator lamp on the Info Display go out.
For control purposes
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 version of DSC that is optimized for
forward momentum in special road conditions.
The system 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 snow-covered uphill
grades, in slushy snow or on uncleared,
snow-covered roads
>When rocking a stuck vehicle free or when
starting off in deep snow or on loose ground
>When driving with snow chains
Activating DTC
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the button to open the start
menu.
2.Move the controller toward "Settings".
3.Select "DTC" and press the controller.
The LED for "DTC" and the DTC indicator lamp
on the Info Display light up.
For control purposes
The indicator lamp flashes:
DTC is controlling the drive forces and
brake forces.
The indicator lamp comes on:
DTC is activated.

Controls
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Deactivating DTC
Select "DTC" and press the controller.
The LED on the Control Display and the DTC
indicator lamp on the Info Display go out.
Dynamic Drive
The concept
Dynamic Drive minimizes body roll and opti-
mizes vehicle stability during cornering and
evasive maneuvers.
Active stabilizers at the front and rear axles form
the basis for Dynamic Drive. Suspension com-
pliance adapts to suit driving conditions, vary-
ing from performance-oriented during corner-
ing to smooth and comfort-oriented when the
vehicle is traveling in a straight line. During vehi-
cle operation, the system continuously 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 yellow and
a message appears on the Info Display.
A malfunction has occurred in the
Dynamic Drive system. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.
If a malfunction occurs, please remember
to adapt your speed accordingly, espe-
cially in curves.
The suspension will be noticeably softer and
the vehicle will display a greater tendency to tilt
during cornering and in crosswinds.<
If a Check Control message indicates an oil loss,
stop as soon as possible at a suitable location
and switch off the engine. Do not continue driv-
ing, contact your BMW center.
Self-leveling suspension*
Malfunction
The warning lamp for self-leveling sus-
pension lights up yellow and a message
appears on the Info Display.
A malfunction has occurred in the level control
system.
Stop driving and check the vehicle:
>The vehicle is considerably lower at the rear
than at the front, possibly also on one side,
at the rear left compared to the rear right.
>The ground clearance is reduced or the
driving comfort is noticeably reduced.
>The position of the vehicle is normal, but a
malfunction is indicated.
Drive to the nearest BMW center or a workshop
that works in accordance with BMW guidelines
and uses appropriately trained personnel. Drive
with appropriate caution in the meantime.
EDC Electronic Damping
Control*
If the influencing variables such as road surface
quality or operating conditions such as steer-
ing, braking etc. change, the damping automat-
ically adjusts to the new conditions.
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the button to open the start
menu.
2.Move the controller toward "Settings".
3.Select "Vehicle" and press the controller.
4.Select "EDC" and press the controller.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
90 There are two programs.
With each press of the controller, you can
switch back and forth between "Comfort" and
"Sport".
Comfort program
The Comfort program is suitable for use
throughout the vehicle's entire speed range and
regardless of load.
Sport program
You should select the Sport program for consis-
tently performance-oriented response from
shock absorbers and steering.
FTM Flat Tire Monitor*
The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor keeps track of the infla-
tion pressures in the four mounted tires as you
drive. The system triggers an alert whenever
the inflation pressure drops significantly in rela-
tion to the pressure in another tire.
When a loss of pressure occurs, the rolling
radius changes and with it, the rotational speed
of the wheels. This change is detected and sig-
naled as a flat tire.
Functional requirements
To ensure the reliable signaling of a flat tire, the
system must be initialized at the correct tire
inflation pressure.
The initialization must be repeated after
every correction of the tire inflation pres-
sure and after every tire or wheel change.<
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 the system has not been initialized.>When driving on snow-covered or slippery
road surfaces.
>Performance-oriented style of driving: slip
in the drive wheels, high lateral acceleration.
>When driving with snow chains
*.
Initializing system
The initialization is completed during driv-
ing, which can be interrupted at any time.
The initialization automatically continues when
driving resumes. Do not initialize the system
when driving with snow chains
*.<
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Select "Settings".
2.Select "Vehicle" and press the controller.
3.Select "Tires: FTM" and press the control-
ler.
The initialization menu appears.
4.Start the engine, but do not begin to drive.
5.Select "Reset tire pressure" and press the
controller.
During the initialization, "Reset will be com-
pleted while driving. A tire pressure loss
cannot be detected while resetting. Status:
resetting FTM…" appears on the Control
Display.

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6.Start driving.
It takes at least 10 minutes before the Flat
Tire Monitor is once again able to detect
and report a flat tire.
The initialization is completed during driving.
To exit the menu:
Select the arrow and press the controller.
Indication of a flat tire
The warning lamp lights up red and a
message appears on the Info Display. In
addition, a signal sounds. A flat tire or a
major air loss has occurred.
1.Reduce speed and stop the vehicle care-
fully. Avoid sudden braking and steering
maneuvers.
2.Identify the damaged tire.
If identification is not possible, con-
tact your BMW center.<
3.Replace the damaged tire, refer to Chang-
ing wheels on page215.
Run-flat tires*
1.Cautiously reduce the vehicle speed to
below 50 mph/80 km/h. Avoid hard braking
and steering maneuvers and do not exceed
50 mph/80 km/h.
If the vehicle is not equipped with run-
flat tires, refer to page205, do not
continue to drive. Continued driving after a
flat tire can result in serious accidents.<
2.Check the air pressure in all four tires at the
next opportunity.
If the tire inflation pressure in all four
tires is correct, the Flat Tire Monitor
may not have been initialized. The system
must then be initialized.<
3.In the event of a total loss of inflation pres-
sure, 0 psi/kPa, or obvious tire damage, you
can estimate the possible distance for con-
tinued driving on the basis of the following
guide values:
>With low load:
1 to 2 persons without luggage:
approx. 155 miles/250 km.>With medium load:
2 persons, luggage compartment full, or
4 persons without luggage:
approx. 95 miles/150 km.
>With full load:
4 or more persons, luggage compart-
ment full:
approx. 30 miles/50 km.
Drive reservedly and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h. In the event of
pressure loss, vehicle handling changes. This
includes reduced tracking stability in braking,
extended braking distances, and altered natural
steering characteristics.
If unusual vibrations or loud noises occur while
the vehicle is being driven, this can indicate final
failure of the damaged tire. Reduce speed and
stop at a suitable location as soon as possible;
otherwise, pieces of the tire could come off and
cause an accident. Do not continue driving,
contact your BMW center.<
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up yellow and
a message appears on the Info Display.
The Flat Tire Monitor has failed. Have
the system checked as soon as possible.
TPM Tire Pressure Monitor*
The concept
TPM checks the tire inflation pressure in the
four mounted tires. The system indicates if the
tire inflation pressure has dropped considerably
in one or several tires.
Functional requirement
In order to assure the reliable reporting of a flat
tire, the system must have been reset with the
correct tire inflation pressure.
Always use wheels with TPM electronics; oth-
erwise, the system cannot be assured of func-
tioning properly.
Reset the system again after each correc-
tion of the tire inflation pressure and after
every tire or wheel change.<

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
92
System limits
TPM cannot warn you of sudden serious
tire damage caused by external influ-
ences.<
The system does not work correctly if it has not
been reset; for example, a flat tire may be indi-
cated even though the tire inflation pressures
are correct.
If a wheel without TPM electronics has been
mounted or if the TPM experiences temporary
interference from other systems or devices that
use the same radio frequency, then the system
is inactive and unable to report a flat tire.
Status display on Control Display
The tire and system status is indicated by the
color of the tires.
TPM takes into account the fact that the tire
pressure changes during driving. A correction is
only required if the color of the TPM display
indicates that it is necessary.
Green
The tire pressure matches the learned set state.
"Status: TPM active" appears on the Control
Display.
One wheel is yellow
There is a flat tire or a major drop in inflation
pressure in the indicated tire. A message
appears on the Control Display.
All wheels are yellow
There is a flat tire or a major drop in inflation
pressure in several tires. A message appears on
the Control Display.
Gray
The system cannot detect a flat tire.
Reasons for this can include:
>TPM is in the process of being reset
>Temporary interference due to systems or
devices that use the same radio frequency
>Malfunction
Resetting system
Reset the system again after each correc-
tion of the tire inflation pressure and after
every tire or wheel change.<
The reset process is completed during driving
and can be interrupted at any time. When driv-
ing resumes, the process resumes automati-
cally.
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the button to open the start
menu.
2.Move the controller toward "Settings".
3.Select "Vehicle" and press the controller.
4.Select "Tires: TPM" and press the control-
ler.
5.Start the engine, but do not begin to drive.
6.Select "RESET" and press the controller.
7.Select "YES" and press the controller.
8.Start to drive.
The tires are shown in gray and "Status:
Resetting TPM..." is displayed.
After a few minutes of driving, the newly cor-
rected inflation pressures in the tires are
adopted as the set-point values to be moni-
tored. The resetting process is completed dur-

Controls
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ing driving. The tires are displayed in green on
the Control Display.
If a flat tire is detected during the reset-
ting and adoption of the tire inflation pres-
sures, all tires are shown in yellow on the Con-
trol Display. The message "Status: Tire low!" is
displayed.<
Low tire pressure message
The warning lamp lights up yellow. A
message appears on the Control Dis-
play. In addition, a signal sounds. A flat
tire or a major air loss has occurred.
1.Reduce speed and stop the vehicle care-
fully. Avoid sudden braking and steering
maneuvers.
2.Check whether your vehicle is equipped
with standard tires or run-flat tires.
You will recognize run-flat tires by a
circular symbol containing the letters
RSC on the side of the tire, refer to
page205.<
Standard tires
1.If all four wheels are shown in yellow, iden-
tify the damaged tire on the vehicle.
2.Replace the damaged wheel or wheels,
refer to Changing wheels on page215.
The spare wheel is equipped with the neces-
sary TPM electronics and when mounted, will
also be monitored once the system has been
reset.
Have the tire replaced by a BMW center or a
workshop that is familiar with handling TPM and
works according to BMW repair procedures
with correspondingly trained personnel.
Run-flat tires*
1.Cautiously reduce speed to below 50 mph/
80 km/h. Avoid hard braking and steering
maneuvers and do not exceed 50 mph/
80 km/h.
If the vehicle is not equipped with run-
flat tires, refer to page205, do not
continue to drive. Continued driving after a
flat tire can result in serious accidents.<2.In the event of complete tire pressure loss,
0 psi/0 kPa, you can estimate the possible
distance for continued driving on the basis
of the following guide values:
>With a light load:
1 to 2 persons without luggage:
approx. 155 miles/250 km
>With a medium load:
2 persons, luggage compartment full, or
4 persons without luggage:
approx. 95 miles/150 km
>With a full load:
4 or more persons, luggage compart-
ment full:
approx. 30 miles/50 km
Drive reservedly and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h. In the event of
pressure loss, vehicle handling changes. This
includes reduced tracking stability in braking,
extended braking distance and altered natural
steering characteristics.
If unusual vibrations occur while the vehicle is
being driven, this can indicate final failure of the
damaged tire. Reduce speed and stop as soon
as possible; otherwise, pieces of the tire could
come loose and cause an accident. Do not con-
tinue driving, contact your BMW center.<
Malfunction
The yellow warning light flashes and
then lights up continuously. The tires
are shown in gray on the Control Dis-
play and a message is displayed. No flat tire can
be detected. Have system checked.
A message like this is displayed in the following
situations:
>When a malfunction is occurring.
Have the system checked.
>When a wheel without TPM electronics is
mounted.
>When TPM is experiencing temporary inter-
ference from other systems or devices that
use the same radio frequency.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
94
Declaration according to NHTSA/
FMVSS 138 Tire Pressure Monitoring
Systems
Each tire, including the spare, should be
checked monthly when cold and inflated to the
inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire infla-
tion pressure label. If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label,
you should determine the proper tire inflation
pressure for those tires. As an added safety fea-
ture, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system TPMS that illumi-
nates a low tire pressure indicator lamp when
one or more of your tires are significantly
under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure indicator lamp comes on, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as possible,
and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and
tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's han-
dling and stopping ability. Please note that the
TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver's responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if underin-
flation has not reached the level to trigger illumi-
nation of the TPMS low tire pressure indicator
lamp.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined
with the low tire pressure indicator lamp. When
the system detects a malfunction, the indicator
lamp will flash for approximately one minute and
then remain continuously lit. This sequence will
continue upon subsequent vehicle startups as
long as the malfunction exists. When the mal-
function indicator is illuminated, the system
may not be able to detect or signal low tire pres-
sure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may
occur for a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS
from functioning properly. Always check the
TPMS malfunction indicator lamp after replac-
ing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle
to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to func-
tion properly.Brake force display
Left: normal braking.
Right: heavy braking.