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cannot be repealed,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
81Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Flat Tire Monitor FTM*
The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor detects pressure loss in a
tire by comparing the rotating speeds of the
individual tires while moving.
In the event of pressure loss, the rolling circum-
ference changes and, thus, the rotating speed
of the affected wheel. This change is detected
and is reported as a flat tire.
Functional requirement
In order to assure the reliable reporting of a flat
tire, the system must be initialized for the cor-
rect tire inflation pressure.The system must be reinitialized each
time a tire inflation pressure has been cor-
rected or a wheel or tire has been changed. <
System limitations
The Flat Tire Monitor is unable to warn
the driver of sudden, severe tire damage
caused by external factors, nor can it identify
the gradual loss of pressure that will inevitably
occur in all four tires over a lengthy period
of time. <
In the following situations, the system could be
delayed or malfunction:
> System has not been initialized
> Driving on snowy or slippery road surface
> Performance-oriented style of driving: slip
in the drive wheels, hi gh lateral acceleration
> Snow chains are attached
Initializing the system
The initialization is completed during driv-
ing, which can be interrupted at any time.
When driving resumes, the initialization is con-
tinued automatically.
Do not initialize the syst em while snow chains
are attached. <
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page 16.1.
"Vehicle Info"
2. "Vehicle status"
3. "Reset"
4. Start the engine - do not drive away.
5. Start the initializat ion using "Reset".
6. Start to drive.
The initialization is completed during the trip.
The initialization is comp leted during driving,
which can be interrupted at any time.
When driving resumes, the initialization is con-
tinued automatically.
Indication of a flat tire
The warning lamps come on in yellow
and red. A message appears on the
Control Display. In addition, an
acoustic signal sounds. There is a flat
tire or substantial loss of tire pressure.
1. Cautiously reduce speed to below 50 mph
or 80 km/h. Avoid sudden braking and
steering maneuvers. Do not exceed a speed
of 50 mph or 80 km/h.
If the car is not equipped with Run-
Flat Tires, refer to page 195, the stan-
dard equipment by design, do not continue
driving. Otherwise a severe accident could
result if you continue driving. <
2. At the next opportunity, check the air pres-
sure in all four tires.
If all four tires are inflated to the cor-
rect pressures, the Flat Tire Monitor
might not have been initialized. The system
must then be initialized. <
Wheels and tires
196
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 7/+7 6.
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 ti res, 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 agains t 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 th is could impair driving
characteristics. If the tires are of mixed sizes,
swapping wheels betwee n the axles is not per-
missible.
Snow chains*
Only certain fine-link sn ow 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
page 78.<
Reference 235
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Fastening safety belts, refer to Safety belts 44
Fastest route for navigation 128
Fault
– parking brake 53
Filter
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 97
– refer to Microfilter for air
conditioner 94
First aid pouch 214
Fixture for remote control, refer to Ignition lock 50
Flash when locking/
unlocking 31
Flat tire
– Run-Flat Tires 195
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 82
Flat Tire Monitor FTM 81
– indicating a flat tire 81
– indicator/warning lamp 81
– initializing the system 81
– snow chains 81,196
– system limits 81
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition 194
Fluid reservoir, refer to Washer fluid reservoir 61
FM, waveband 141
Folding in the mirrors, before driving into a car wash 45
Footbrake, refer to Braking safely 112
Footwell lamps, refer to
Interior lamps 90
Forward
– CD/DVD changer 148
– CD/DVD player 148
Forward gear, engaging, refer to Transmission
positions 56
For your own safety 5
Free memory capacity, music
collection 156
Front airbags 85 FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 81
Fuel 189
– average consumption 66
– gauge 65
– high-quality brands 189
– quality 189
– specifications 189
– tank contents, refer to Capacities 222
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge 65
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge 65
Fuel filler door 188
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction 18
8
Fuses 212
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control 98
Gasoline
– refer to Average consumption 66
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel 189
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel gauge 65
Gear display, refer to Displays in the instrument cluster 56
Gear indicator, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic 53
Gears, changing 57
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 54
– manual transmission 53
Gearshifts
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 54
– manual transmission 53
General driving notes 111
Glove compartment 101GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system 118
Grills, refer to Air vents 92
Gross vehicle weight, refer to Weights 222
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake 52
Hands-free system 14
Hazard warning flashers 14
HD radio, refer to High
Definition Radio 142
Head airbags 85
Headlamp control,
automatic 88
Headlamp flasher 59
– indicator lamp 11,13
Heated
– mirrors 46
– rear window 94,97
– seats 43
Heating 92
– mirrors 46
– rear window 94,97
– seats 43
Heating and ventilation, refer
to Climate 92
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing cargo 114
Height, refer to Dimensions 221
Height adjustment
– seats 42
– steering wheel 46
High beams 90
– headlamp flasher 90
– indicator lamp 13
High Definition Radio 142
High-pressure washer 204,205
High-pressure
washer 204,205
High water, refer to Driving through water 112
Highways, refer to Route criteria 128