2009 BMW 328I CONVERTIBLE traction control

At a glance
15Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
1Coupe: microphone for voice activation
system
* and for telephone in hands-free
mode
*
Convertible: microphone on steering col-
umn
2SOS: initiating an Emergency Request
call
*224
3Reading lamps96
4Coupe: glass roof, electric
*37
5Interior lamps96
6Passenger airbag status lamp
*91
7Control Display16
8Hazard warning flashers
9Dynamic Traction Control DTC83
10Central locking system30
11Automatic climate control
12CD/DVD drive15213Changing the audio and entertainment
sources
14Selecting AM or FM waveband
15Changing
>Radio station147
>Track152
17Controller16
Can be turned, pressed, or moved in four
directions
18Buttons on the controller16
Selecting menus directly
20Programmable memory keys20
21Switching audio sources on/off and adjust-
ing volume144
22Ejecting CD/DVD152 Air distribution to the
windshield98
Air distribution to the upper body
area98
Air distribution to the footwell98
Automatic air distribution and flow
rate98
Cooling function100
Automatic recirculated-air control
AUC99
Recirculated-air mode99
Maximum cooling98
Residual heat mode99
Air flow rate99
Defrosting windows99
Rear window defroster100
16
Heated seats*47
Park Distance Control PDC
*82
Coupe:
Roller sun blind
*105
Coupe:
Hill Descent Control HDC
*84
19Convertible:
Opening and closing retractable
hardtop38

Controls
83Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
can drown out the PDC signal. Therefore,
always drive cautiously, otherwise there is a risk
of personal injury or property damage.<
Driving stability control
systems
Your BMW has a number of systems that help
to maintain the vehicle's stability even in
adverse driving conditions.
Antilock Brake System ABS
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during
braking. Safe steering response is maintained
even during full braking. Active safety is thus
increased.
The ABS is operational every time you start the
engine. Braking safely, refer to page118.
Electronic brake-force distribution
The system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
Dynamic Brake Control DBC
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 for the
duration of the full braking application.
Dynamic Stability Control DSC
DSC prevents the driving wheels from losing
traction when you pull away from rest or accel-
erate. The system also recognizes unstable
driving conditions, for example if the rear of the
car is about to swerve or if momentum is acting
at an angle past the front wheels. In these
cases, DSC helps the vehicle maintain a safe
course within physical limits by reducing engine
output and through braking actions at the indi-
vidual 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 reduce the additional
s a f e t y m a r g i n a g a i n b y t a k i n g r i s k s , a s t h i s c o u l d
result in an accident.<
Deactivating DSC
Press the button for at least 3 seconds; the indi-
cator lamps for DSC in the instrument cluster
light up. Dynamic Traction Control DTC and
DSC have been simultaneously deactivated.
Stabilizing and drive-output promoting actions
are no longer executed.
328i, 335i: in the same way as with a differential
interlock, even if DSC is deactivated, brake
actions are still performed on the rear axle to
enhance drive output if the drive wheels experi-
ence a significant loss of traction.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Press the button again; the indicator lamps in
the instrument cluster go out.
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes:
DSC controls the drive forces and
brake forces.
If the indicator lamps are on:
DSC is deactivated.
Dynamic Traction Control DTC
DTC is a version of DSC in which the drive out-
put is optimized for particular road conditions,
e.g. unplowed snow-covered roads. The sys-
tem assures the maximal drive output, but with

Technology for driving comfort and safety
84 reduced driving stability. It is therefore neces-
sary to drive with appropriate caution.
You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC
under the following special circumstances:
>When driving uphill on snow-covered roads,
in slush or on unplowed, snow-covered
roads
>When rocking a stuck vehicle free or start-
ing off in deep snow or on loose ground
>When driving with snow chains
Activating DTC
Press the button; the indicator lamps for DTC in
the instrument cluster come on.
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes:
DTC controls the drive forces and
brake forces.
If the indicator lamps are on:
DTC has been activated.
Deactivating DTC
Press the button again; the DTC indicator
lamps in the instrument cluster go out.
xDrive*
xDrive is your BMW's four-wheel-drive system.
The combined efforts of xDrive and DSC help to
further optimize traction and driving dynamics.
The xDrive four-wheel-drive system distributes
driving power variably to the front and rear axles
depending on the driving situation and road
conditions.
Hill Descent Control HDC*
HDC is a downhill driving assistant that controls
your speed on steep downhill gradients and
makes it even easier to control your BMW's
handling under these conditions. The vehicle
then moves slightly faster than double walking
speed without the driver needing to intervene.
HDC can be activated as long as you are driving
under approx. 20 mph or 35 km/h. When driving
downhill at a speed of under approx. 20 mph or
35 km/h, the vehicle's speed is automatically
reduced to slightly more than double walking
speed and maintained.
Increasing or decreasing speed
By accelerating or braking you can change this
speed within a range from approx. 3 to 15 mph,
approx. 5 to 25 km/h.
You can specify a target speed within the same
range using the cruise control
* lever on the
steering column.
1To increase speed
2To decrease speed
Activating HDC
Press the button; the LED lights up.
When the vehicle is being braked automatically,
the LED flashes.

Wheels and tires
202
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 code letter
Q = up to 100 mph or 160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph or 190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph or 210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph or 240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph or 270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph or 300 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of
the US Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Tire age
The manufacturing date of tires is contained in
the tire coding: DOT … 3208 means that the
tire was manufactured in week 32 of 2008.
BMW recommends that you replace all tires
after 6 years at most, 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 government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, how-
ever, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteris-
tics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C.
Those 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
Radial belt construction
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating,
not on ZR tires
Speed code letter, in
front of the R on ZR tires225/45 R1791 V
e.g.
Manufacturer's code
for tire make
Tire size and
tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 3208

Mobility
205Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Recommended tire brands
Certain makes of tire are recommended by
BMW for each tire size. They are marked with a
clearly visible BMW designation on the sidewall
of the tire.
When properly used, these tires meet the high-
est standards in terms of safety and handling
characteristics.
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for winter roads
or at temperatures below +45°F/+7°C.
Although all-season M+S tires provide better
winter traction than summer tires, they gener-
ally fail to provide the same levels of cold-
weather performance as winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always comply with the speed limit for the
winter tires mounted on your car; failure
to do so could result in tire damage and acci-
dents.<
If the car is capable of speeds higher than that
permitted for the winter tires, a label stating the
maximum permitted speed for the mounted
tires must be displayed in your field of view.
Specialist tire dealers and your BMW center
can supply these labels.
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 sidewall
of the tire.
Swapping wheels between axles
BMW advises against swapping wheels
between the front and rear axles, even if all tires
have the same size, as this could impair driving
characteristics. If the tires are of mixed sizes,
swapping wheels between the axles is not per-
missible.
Snow chains*
Only certain fine-link snow chains have been
tested by BMW, classified as safe for use and
recommended. Consult your BMW center for
more information.
Snow chains must be mounted in pairs and on
the rear wheels only. Observe the manufac-
turer's instructions when mounting snow
chains. Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph or
50 km/h.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor if
snow chains are mounted, otherwise the
instrument might issue an incorrect reading.
When driving with snow chains, you may find it
helpful to activate DTC temporarily, refer to
page83.<

Everything from A - Z
246 Displays
– on the Control Display16
Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster12
Displays and controls10
Disposal
– coolant209
– remote control battery35
– vehicle battery222
Distance control, refer to
Active cruise control63
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements73
Distance warning, refer to
Park Distance Control
PDC82
Door key, refer to Remote
control with integrated
key26
Door lock29
Doors, emergency
operation30
DOT Quality Grades202
Draft-free ventilation100
Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders107
Drive-off assistance, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC83
Drive-off assistant85
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams93
Driving notes116
Driving off on hills, refer to
Drive-off assistant85
Driving stability control
systems83
Driving through water118
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes116
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function100
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control83
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control83
– indicator/warning lamp83DVD
– country codes154
– settings155
– video playback154
DVD menu155
DVD video154
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC83
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC
– indicator/warning lamp83
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC
– indicator/warning lamp84
E
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on the CD player144
Electrical malfunction
– door lock30
– driver's door30
– fuel filler door192
– glass roof38
Electric seat adjustment43
Electric steering wheel lock
– with convenient access34
Electronic brake-force
distribution EBV83
Electronic oil level check207
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC83
Emergency actuation,
automatic transmission,
refer to Overriding selector
lever lock59
Emergency operation
– fuel filler door, manual
release192
Emergency operation, refer to
Closing manually
– glass roof38
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock30
Emergency release
– luggage compartment lid
from inside32Emergency Request224
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance224
Energy, saving
– saving fuel116
Engine
– breaking in116
– data232
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature70
– speed232
– starting55
– starting, convenient
access34
– switching off56
Engine compartment207
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant209
Engine oil
– adding209
– BMW Maintenance
System211
– capacity235
– checking level207
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements73
Engine output, refer to Engine
data232
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data232
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine55
Entry lamps, refer to Interior
lamps
96
Entry map for destination130
Equalizer, tone setting145
Error messages, refer to
Check Control77
Event data recorders212
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system117
Exterior mirrors49
– adjusting49
– automatic dimming
feature50
– automatic heating50
– folding in and out49
External audio device106

Reference 255
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Towing226
– car with automatic
transmission226
– methods227
Towing and tow-starting226
Town/city, for navigation125
Tow rope227
Tow-starting226,228
TPM, refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor86
Track
– selecting on CD152
Traction control, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC83
Traffic bulletins
– categories139
Traffic bulletins, filtering139
Traffic bulletins for
navigation138
– during destination
guidance139
– in map display139
Traffic jam
– displaying traffic
bulletins138
Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic57
– manual transmission57
– overriding selector lever lock
for automatic transmission
with Steptronic59
Transmission interlock
– refer to Changing selector
lever position58
– refer to P Park58
Transporting children
safely52
Transport securing devices,
refer to Securing cargo120
Travel instructions,
refer to Voice
instructions136
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tire tread203
Trip-distance counter, refer to
Trip odometer69
Triple turn signal activation60Trip odometer69
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions233
Turn signal indicators
– indicator/warning lamp12
– replacing bulbs219
– triple turn signal60
Turn signals59
TV
– control elements144
– switching on/off144
– tone control144
– volume144
Tying down loads, refer to
Cargo loading120
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading/
UTQR202
Units
– average consumption72
– temperature72
Universal garage door opener,
refer to Integrated universal
remote control102
Universal mobile phone
preparation package, refer
to separate Owner's Manual
Universal remote control102
Unlatching, refer to
Unlocking34
Unlocking
– from inside31
– from outside27
– luggage compartment lid34
– setting unlocking
characteristics27
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access34
USB-audio interface164
V
VCD154Vehicle
– battery222
– breaking in116
– cargo loading119
– Identification Number, refer
to Engine compartment207
– measurements, refer to
Dimensions233
– parking56
– weight235
Vehicle jack222
Vehicle position, refer to
Displaying current
position141
Vehicle storage216
Ventilation100
– draft-free100
– in the rear100
Ventilation, refer to Climate97
Ventilation while at a
standstill100
Vents, refer to Ventilation100
Video menu154
Video playback154
Voice, refer to Destination
guidance through voice
instructions136
Voice commands
– overview22
– short commands236
Voice instructions from
navigation system136
– repeating137
– switching on/off136
– volume137
Volume144
– audio sources144
– fuel tank, refer to
Capacities235
– mobile phone173
– TV144
– voice instructions137
Volume balance, tone
setting145
W
Warm
– steering wheel51