2009 BMW Z4 SDRIVE30I light

Controls
73Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Setting the date format
1."Settings"
2. "Time/Date"
3. "Format:"
4. Select the desired format.
The date format is stored.
Check Control
The concept
The Check Control monitors vehicle functions
and alerts you to any malfunctions in the sys-
tems monitored. A Ch eck Control message
encompasses indicator and warning lamps in
the instrument cluster and may include an
acoustic signal and text messages on the Con-
trol Display.
Indicator and warning lamps
Indicator and warning la mps can light up in a
variety of combinations and colors. indicates that Check
Control messages have
been stored. You can view the Check Control
messages whenever it is convenient for you.
Explanatory text messages
Text messages at the upper edge of the Control
Display explain the meaning of the displayed
indicator and warning lamps.
For most Check Control messages, you can
view more information la ter, e.g. regarding the
cause of a malfunction and how to respond;
refer to the information provided below.
In urgent cases, this information will be shown
as soon as the corresponding lamp comes on.
To exit the displayed information:
Move the controller to the left.

Everything under control
76
Volume of the warning signals*
You can raise or lower the volume of the warn-
ing signals, e.g. the 'fasten safety belts'
reminder, relative to the entertainment sound
output. The warning signals have a fixed mini-
mum and maximum volume that cannot be
dropped below or exceeded.
1."Settings"
2. "Tone"
3. "Volume settings"
>"Speed volume": speed-dependent vol-
ume control
> "PDC": volume of the PDC signal tone
relative to the entertainment sound
output
> "Gong": volume of the signal tone, e. g.
for the 'fasten safety belts' reminder, rel-
ative to the entertainment sound output
Brightness of Control Display
The brightness is automa tically adapted to the
ambient lighting conditio ns. However, you can
change the basic setting while the low beams
are switched on.
iDrive, for operating pr inciple refer to page16.
1. "Settings"
2. "Control display" 3.
"Brightness"
4. Turn the controller until the desired setting
is selected.
5. Press the controller.
The setting is stored fo r the remote control cur-
rently in use. In bright conditions, for example,
the brightness control may not be clearly
visible.

Technology for driving comfort and safety
78
Loud sound sources outside or inside the car
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 page 112.
Electronic brake-force distribution
The system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure st able 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 pressu re 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 lim its 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 th e responsibility of the
driver. Therefore, do no t 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/activating the DSC OFF
program
The program can be de activated via Dynamic
Driving Control, refer to DSC OFF.
For better control
The indicator lamp flashes: DSC con-
trols the drive forces and brake forces.
The indicator lamp lights up: DSC has
failed.
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
The concept
The DTC system and the TRACTION program
is a variant of the DSC in which forward momen-
tum is optimized.
The system ensures maximum forward
momentum on special road conditions, e.g.,
unplowed snowy roads, bu t driving stability is
limited.
It is therefore necessary to drive with appropri-
ate caution.
You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC
under the following special circumstances:
> When driving in slus h or on uncleared,
snow-covered roads.
> When rocking the vehicle or driving off in
deep snow or on loose surfaces.
> When driving with snow chains.
Deactivating/activ ating DTC Dynamic
Traction Control
The system and program can be deactivated/
activated via Dynamic Driving Control.

Controls
79Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Dynamic Driving Control
The concept
Dynamic Driving Control can be used to adjust
the driving dynamics of the vehicle.
Several programs are available for this purpose;
they can be activated using the two Dynamic
Driving Control buttons.
The following characteristics are adapted,
depending on which program was selected:
> Engine response.
> Shift times of the automatic transmission
*.
> Power steering support
*.
> Changes in the suspension characteristics
through damping control
*.
> Vehicle stabilization through DSC Dynamic
Stability Control.
Operating the programs
1You can activate or de activate the following
programs using this button:
> DSC OFF
> TRACTION
2 You can activate or de activate the following
programs using this rocker switch:
> SPORT+
> SPORT
> NORMAL
DSC OFF
Driving stability is limited during acceleration
and when driving in bends.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
Activating DSC OFF
Press and hold the button, but not
longer than approx. 10 seconds, until
the indicator lamp for the DSC lights up in the
instrument cluster and DSC OFF is displayed in
the instrument cluster.
The DSC system is switched off.
Deactivating DSC OFF
Press the button.
DSC OFF and the DSC indicator lamp
go out.
For better control
DSC OFF is briefly displayed in the instrument
cluster.
The indicator lamp lights up: DSC is
deactivated.
TRACTION
Maximum traction on loose road surfaces. DTC
Dynamic Traction Control is switched on. Driv-
ing stability is limited during acceleration and
when driving in bends.
Activating TRACTION
Press the button.
TRACTION is displayed in the instru-
ment cluster.

Technology for driving comfort and safety
80
The DSC indicator lamp in
the instrument clus-
ter lights up.
Deactivating TRACTION
Press the button again.
TRACTION and the DSC indicator
lamp go out.
For better control
TRACTION is displayed in the instrument
cluster.
The indicator lamp lights up: DTC
Dynamic Traction Control is activated.
SPORT+
Sporty driving with a tight suspension and lim-
ited driving stabilization.
Dynamic Traction Control is switched on.
The driver handles seve ral of the stabilization
tasks.
Activating SPORT+
Press the button repeatedly until
SPORT+ appears in the instrument
cluster and the DSC indicator lamp lights up.
For better control
SPORT+ is displayed in the instrument cluster.
The indicator lamp lights up: DTC
Dynamic Traction Control is activated.
SPORT
Consistently sporty tuning of the suspension
for greater driving agility with maximum driving
stabilization.
Activating SPORT
Press the button repeatedly until
SPORT+ appears in the instrument
cluster.
NORMAL
For a balanced tuning with maximum driving
stabilization.
Activating NORMAL
Press the button repeatedly until the
program display disappears in the
instrument cluster.
Displays in the instrument cluster
The selected program is displayed in the instru-
ment cluster.
Drive-off assistant
The drive-off assistant enables you to drive off
smoothly on uphill gradients. The parking brake
is not required.
1. Hold the car in place by depressing the
brake.
2. Release the brake and drive off without
delay.
The drive-off assistant holds the car in
place for approx. 2 seconds after the
brake is released. Drive off without delay after
releasing the brake. Because the drive-off
assistant will not hold the car in place after
approx. 2 seconds, the car would otherwise
start to roll backwards. <

Technology for driving comfort and safety
82
3.
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 guidelines:
>With a light load:
1 person without luggage:
approx. 155 miles/250 km
> With a medium load:
1 person, cargo bay full, or 2 people
without luggage:
approx. 90 miles/150 km
> With a full load:
2 people, cargo bay full:
approx. 30 miles/50 km
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph or 80 km/h, otherwise
there is a risk of an accident. 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 vibration or lo ud noises occur during
the journey, this may be an indication that the
damaged tire has finally failed. Reduce your
speed and pull over as soon as possible at a
suitable location. Otherw ise parts of the tire
could come loose, resulting in an accident. Do
not continue driving. Instead, contact your
BMW center. <
Status display
1."Vehicle Info"
2. "Vehicle status"
3. "Flat Tire Monitor"
The status is displayed.
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM*
The concept
TPM checks the inflation pressures of the four
mounted tires. The system notifies you if there
is a significant loss of pressure in one or more
tires.
Functional requirement
In order to assure the re liable reporting of a flat
tire, the system must be reset while all tire infla-
tion pressures are correct.
Always use wheels with TPM electronics. Oth-
erwise, the system may malfunction.
Each time a tire inflation pressure has
been corrected or a wheel or tire has been
changed, reset the system. <
System limitations
TPM cannot warn you in advance of sud-
den severe tire damage caused by out-
side influences. <
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.
The system is inactive and cannot indicate a flat
tire if a wheel without TP M electronics, such as
a compact spare wheel, has been mounted, or if
TPM is temporarily malfunctioning due to other
systems or devices using the same radio fre-
quency.
Status indicator on the Control Display
The color of the tires represents the status of
the tires and the system.
TPM takes into account that tire pressures
change while the vehicl e is being driven. The
tire pressures do not need to be corrected
unless the TPM instructs you to do so by means
of color indicators.

Technology for driving comfort and safety
84
2.
In the event of complete pressure loss,
0 psi/0 kPa, you can estimate the possible
distance for continued driving on the basis
of the following guidelines:
>With a light load:
1 person without luggage:
approx. 155 miles/250 km
> With a medium load:
1 person, cargo bay full, or 2 people
without luggage:
approx. 95 miles/150 km
> With a full load:
2 people, cargo bay full:
approx. 30 miles/50 km
Drive cautiously 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 vibration or lo ud noises occur during
the journey, this may be an indication that the
damaged tire has finally failed. Reduce your
speed and pull over as soon as possible at a
suitable location. Otherw ise parts of the tire
could come loose, resulting in an accident. Do
not continue driving. Instead, contact your
BMW center. <
Message for unsuccessful system
reset
The warning lamp lights up yellow. A
message will appear on the Control
Display. The system is not reset after
a tire has been changed, for example.
Check the tire inflation pressure and reset the
system, refer to page 83.
Status display
iDrive, for operating pr inciple refer to page16.
1. Press the button
The start menu is opened.
2. "Vehicle Info"
3. "Vehicle status"
4. "TPM"
5. The status is displayed.
Malfunction
The small warning lamp flashes in
yellow and then lights up continu-
ously; the larger warning lamp comes
on in yellow. On the Control Display,
the tires are shown in gray and a message
appears. No punctures can be detected.
This type of message is shown in the following
situations:
> If there is a malfunction
Have the system checked.
> If a wheel without TPM electronics has
been mounted
> If TPM is temporarily malfunctioning due to
other systems or devices using the same
radio frequency.
Declaration according to
NHTSA/FMVSS 138
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
Each tire should be checked monthly when cold
and inflated to the inflation pressure recom-
mended by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire infl ation pressure label. If
your vehicle has tires of a different size than the
size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire infla-
tion pressure label, yo u should determine the
proper tire inflation pressure for those tires. As
an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring sys-
tem, TPMS, that illuminates a low tire pressure
telltale when one or more of your tires are signif-
icantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the
low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as possible,
and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly underi nflated tire causes the
tire to overheat and ca n 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 dr iver’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if underin-
flation has not reached the level at which the
TPMS low tire pressure telltale illuminates.

Technology for driving comfort and safety
86
Do not attempt to remove
the airbag retention
system from the vehicle. Do not modify the indi-
vidual components of the system or its wiring in
any way. This includes the upholstered covers
of the steering wheel, the dashboard and the
seats. Do not attempt to remove or dismantle
the steering wheel.
Do not touch the individual components imme-
diately after the system has been triggered,
because there is a danger of burns.
In the event of malfunctions, deactivation or
triggering of the airbag restraint system, have
the testing, repair, remo val and disposal of air-
bag generators executed only by a BMW center
or a workshop that works according to repair
procedures of BMW with correspondingly
trained personnel and th at has the required
explosives licenses. Unprofessional attempts to
work on the system could lead to failure in an
emergency or to undesi red airbag activation,
either of which could resu lt in personal injury.<
Warning notices and information about the air-
bags can also be found on the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of the
passenger airbags
The system determines whether the passenger
seat is occupied by meas uring the resistance of
the human body. Front, knee and side airbags
on the passenger side ar e activated or deacti-
vated accordingly.
Make sure that the passenger keeps his
or her feet in the footwell; otherwise, the
passenger airbags may not function properly. <
The indicator lamp above the interior rearview
mirror shows the current status of the passen-
ger airbags, deactivated or activated, refer to
Status of passenger airbags below.
Before transporting a child on the front
passenger seat, read the safety precau-
tions and handling instructions under Trans-
porting children safely, see page 48.
Malfunction of the automatic
deactivation system
The front, knee and side airbags can also be
deactivated by adolescents and adults sitting in
certain positions; the in dicator lamp for the pas-
senger airbags comes on. In such cases, the
passenger should change his or her sitting
position so that the pa ssenger airbags are acti-
vated and the indicator la mp goes out. If the
desired airbag status cannot be achieved by
changing the sitting posi tion, do not transport
the passenger in the vehicle.
To make sure that occupa tion of the seat cush-
ion can be detected correctly:
> Do not attach seat covers, seat cushion
padding, ball mats or other items to the pas-
senger seat unless they are specifically rec-
ommended by BMW.
> Do not place any items under the seat which
could press against the seat from below. <
Status of passenger airbags
The indicator lamp for the passenger airbags
shows the functional status of the passenger's
front, knee and side airbags in accordance with
whether and how the passenger seat is occu-
pied. The indicator lamp shows whether the
passenger airbags are activated or deactivated.
> The indicator lamp lights up when a child
who is properly seated in a child-restraint
system intended for that purpose is
detected on the seat or the seat is empty.
The front, knee and side airbags for the pas-
senger are not activated.
Most child seats are detected by the sys-
tem, especially child seats required by the
NHTSA at the time of vehicle production.