2009 BMW Z4 SDRIVE35I automatic transmission

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R Reverse
Select this only when the vehicle is stationary.
N Neutral
You can select this in a car wash, for example.
The vehicle can roll.
N remains engaged after the engine is
switched off if you leave the remote con-
trol in the ignition lock. Use this function in an
automatic car wash, for ex ample. P is automati-
cally engaged after approx. 30 minutes. <
D drive mode
In drive mode, all forward gears are shifted auto-
matically.
Kick-down
To accelerate rapidly, e.g. when passing, press
the accelerator down past the resistance point.
This provides maximum acceleration.
Sport program and manual
operation M/S
Move the selector lever from position D toward
the left:
The sport program is activated and S1 through
S7 are displayed in the instrument cluster. This
position is recommend ed for a performance-
oriented driving style.
When you press the selector lever forwards or
b a c k w a r d s , o r w h e n y o u m o v e t h e s h i f t p a d d l e s ,
the manual mode is ac tivated and Steptronic
changes gear. M1 through M7 are displayed in
the instrument cluster.
The transmission assists you in the following
situations: >
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only
when they will result in a plausible combina-
tion of engine and vehicle speed; thus, for
example, a downshift that would cause the
engine to overrev will not be executed by
the system.
> When the vehicle stops, the transmission
automatically shifts down to first gear.
> Shortly before the ve hicle slows down to
below the minimum speed of the gear cur-
rently engaged, the transmission automati-
cally shifts down without requiring your
intervention.
Rapid downshifting: In sequential mode, you
can skip several gears to achieve optimal accel-
eration. Do so by pressi ng the accelerator past
the resistance point.
To use the automatic system again, press the
selector lever to the right.
Changing gears
Shift up or down using th e selector lever or the
shift paddles. You do not ne ed to raise your foot
from the accelerator when doing so.
Using the selector lever
> To shift up, pull back the selector lever.
> To shift down, push it forward.
Using the shift paddles on the steering
wheel
You can also shift manually using the two shift
paddles on the steering wheel. The shift pad-
dles allow you to shift ge ars without taking your
hands off of the steering wheel.
> When you use the shift paddles on the
steering wheel to shift gears in automatic
mode, the transmission switches to
manual mode.
> If you do not accelerate or shift gears using
the shift paddles for a certain amount of
time, the transmission switches back to
automatic mode if the selector lever is in
position D.

Driving
58
>
To shift up: pull one of the shift paddles.
> To shift down: press one of the shift
paddles.
Launch Control
Launch Control enables you to drive off with an
optimal vehicle acceleration on a high grip road
surface.
Do not use Launch Control too often, as
the higher loads on the vehicle lead to
premature component wear. <
Launch Control is availa ble when the engine is
at operating temperature, i.e. after driving con-
tinuously for at least 6 miles/10 km.
1. With the engine running, depress the brake
pedal with your left foot.
2. Activate the SPORT+ program of the
Dynamic Driving Control, refer to page 79.
3. With the vehicle stationary, activate manual
mode and select first gear.
4. Press the accelerator all the way down. The
engine speed when driving off is controlled.
A flag symbol appears in the instrument
cluster.
5. The vehicle accelerates when you release
the brake pedal. Keep the accelerator
pressed all the way down.
6. The transmission shifts up automatically as
long as the accelerator is pressed all the
way down.
Launch Control only be comes available again
after a certain distance has been driven.
Launch Control can only be used after the
break-in phase, refer to page 110.To maintain driving stability, activate DSC
whenever possible.
<
Releasing the transmission lock
manually
If a power failure occurs, e.g. if the battery
is discharged or disconnected or if there
is an electrical malfun ction, the transmission
lock must be released manually; otherwise, the
rear wheels are blocked and the vehicle cannot
be towed. <
Release the transmission lock manually for tow-
ing only and set the parking brake beforehand
to prevent the vehicle from rolling. After parking
the vehicle, lock the transmission lock again.
Releasing
1. Unclip the sleeve of the selector lever.
2. Pull the sleeve up over the selector lever
until the sleeve is inside out.
3. Remove the cap using the Allen wrench
from the onboard tool kit, refer to page 208.
4. Insert the Allen wrench into the opening,
arrow 1.

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Windshield washer nozzles
The windshield washer nozzles are heated
automatically while the engine is running or the
ignition is switched on.
Washer fluid
Washer fluid antifreeze is flammable.
Therefore, keep it away from ignition
sources and only store it in the closed original
container that is kept ou t of reach of children,
otherwise there is a risk of personal injury.
Comply with the instructions on the con-
tainer. <
Washer fluid filler neck
Only refill washer fluid when the engine is
cool to avoid contac t with hot engine
parts. Otherwise, fluid spills constitute a fire
hazard and a risk to personal safety. <
All washer nozzles are supplied with washer
fluid by the same reservoir.
Fill with water and, if required, with a washer
antifreeze, according to manufacturer's recom-
mendations. Mix the water and antifreeze before filling
the washer fluid reservoir to make sure
the correct concentration is maintained. <
Capacity
Approx. 6.3 US quarts/6 liters.
Cruise control*
The concept
Cruise control is available for use at speeds of
approx. 20 mph or 30 km/h. The car then stores
and maintains the speed that you specify using
the lever on the steering column. In order to
maintain the specified speed, the system
brakes the vehicle when the engine braking
effect is insufficient on downhill gradients.
Do not use cruise control when driving at
constant speed is prevented by adverse
conditions, e.g. winding roads, dense traffic,
poor visibility or unfavorable road conditions
due to, e.g. snow, rain, ice or loose surfaces.
Otherwise you could lose control of the vehicle
and cause an accident as a result. <
Manual transmission
You can shift gears while cruise control is acti-
vated. An indicator lamp notifies you that you
should shift gears wh en you drive for an
extended period at very high or very low engine
speeds, or the system is deactivated.
One lever for all functions
1 Storing and maintaining speed or accele-
rating
2 Storing and maintaining speed or decele-
rating
3 Deactivating cruise control
4 Resuming a speed stored beforehand

Driving
62
Maintaining current speed
Tap the lever, arrow 1, or pull it briefly, arrow 2.
The car's current speed is stored and main-
tained. It is displayed on the speedometer and
briefly in the instrument cluster.
On uphill gradients, it may prove impossible to
maintain the set speed if current engine power
output is insufficient. If the engine braking
effect is insufficient on downhill slopes, the sys-
tem will brake the vehicle slightly.
Increasing desired speed
Repeatedly press the lever to the resistance
point or beyond, arrow 1, until the desired
speed is reached.
> Each time the lever is pressed to the resis-
tance point, the desired speed is increased
by approx. 1 mph or 1 km/h.
> Each time the lever is pressed beyond the
resistance point, the desired speed is
increased by up to 5 mph or 10 km/h.
The system stores and maintains the speed.
Accelerating using the lever
Accelerating slightly:
Press the lever to the resistance point, arrow 1,
and hold until the desired speed is reached.
Accelerating significantly:
Press the lever beyond the resistance point,
arrow 1, and hold until the desired speed is
reached.
The vehicle accelerates without pressure on
the accelerator pedal. The system stores and
maintains the speed.
Decreasing speed
Repeatedly pull the lever to the resistance point
or beyond, arrow 2, until the desired speed is
displayed.
> Each time the lever is pulled to the resis-
tance point, the desired speed is decreased
by approx. 1 mph or 1 km/h.
> Each time the lever is pulled beyond the
resistance point, the desired speed is
reduced by up to 5 mph o r 10 km/h until the minimum speed of 20 mph or 30 km/h is
achieved.
The system stores and maintains the speed.
Interrupting the system
Tap the lever upwards or downwards, arrow 3.
The displays in the speedometer change color.
In addition, the system is automatically deacti-
vated:
> When you brake the vehicle
> When you switch gears very slowly or shift
to neutral in cars with a manual trans-
mission
> When you engage selector lever position N
in cars with an automatic transmission
> When you engage transmission position N
in 7-gear sport automatic transmissions
with a dual clutch
> When you activate the DTC Dynamic Trac-
tion Control or deactivate DSC.
> When DSC or ABS is intervening
Cruise control is not de activated by depressing
the accelerator pedal. Once the accelerator
pedal is released, the st ored speed is achieved
again and maintained.
Warning lamp
The warning lamp comes on, for
example, when cruise control has
been deactivated as a result of DSC
intervention. A message appears on the Control
Display.
Deactivating the system
> Press the lever upward or downward twice,
arrow 3.
> Switch off the ignition.
The stored speed is cleared.
Resuming a speed stored beforehand
Press the button, arrow 4. The last stored
speed is resumed and maintained.

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Technology for driving comfort and safety
Park Distance Control PDC*
The concept
The PDC assists you with maneuvering in tight
parking spaces. Acoustic signals and a visual
indicator
warn you of the presence of an object
in front of
* or behind your ve hicle. To measure
the distance, there are four ultrasonic sensors
in either bumper.
These sensors have a range of approx. 6.5 ft/
2 m. However, an acoustic warning does not
sound until an object is approx. 24 in/60 cm
from the corner sensors, or approx. 5 ft/1.50 m
from the center sensors.
PDC is a parking aid that can indicate
objects when they are approached
slowly, as is usually th e case when parking.
Avoid approaching an obje ct a t h i g h s p e e d , o t h -
erwise physical circumstances may lead to the
system warning being issued too late. <
Switching on automatically
With the engine running or the ignition switched
on, the system is activated after approx. 1 sec-
ond when you engage reverse gear or move the
automatic transmission selector lever to
position R. Wait this short period before driving.
Switching off automatically
After approx. 165 ft/50 m of driving or above
approx. 20 mph or 30 km/h, the system
switches off and the LED goes out.
Signal tones
When nearing an object, its position is indicated
correspondingly by an in terval tone. As the dis-
tance between vehicle and object decreases,
the intervals between the tones become
shorter. If the distance to the nearest object
falls to below roughly 1 f t/30 cm, then a contin-
uous tone sounds.
An interval tone is interrupted after approx.
3seconds >
if you remain in front of an object that has
been detected by only one of the corner
sensors
> if you are driving parallel to a wall.
Malfunction
The indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster comes on. PDC is malfunc-
tioning. A message appears on the
Control Display. Have the system checked.
To avoid this problem, keep the sensors clean
and free of ice or snow in order to ensure that
they will continue to operate effectively. When
using a high-pressure cleaner, do not spray the
sensors for extended periods of time and only
from a distance of at least 4 in/10 cm.
PDC with visual warning
The approach of the vehicle to an object is
shown on the Control Display. Objects that are
farther away are displayed on the Control Dis-
play before a signal to ne sounds. The display
appears on the Control Display as soon as PDC
is activated.
System limitations
Even with PDC, final responsibility for
estimating the distance between the
vehicle and any obstructions always remains
with the driver. Even when sensors are pro-
vided, there is a blind spot in which objects can
no longer be detected. The system is also sub-
ject to the physical limit s that apply to all forms
of ultrasonic measurement, such as those
encountered with trailer towbars and hitches,
thin or wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low objects
that have already been displayed, e.g. curbs,
can disappear again from the detection area of
the sensors before or af ter a continuous tone
sounds. Higher, protruding objects, e.g. ledges,
cannot be detected. Therefore, always drive
cautiously, otherwise there is a risk of personal
injury or property damage.

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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.

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Calibrating the digital compass
The digital compass must be calibrated in the
following situations:
> An incorrect compass direction is shown.
> The compass direction shown does not
change although the direction of
travel does.
> Not all compass directions are shown.
Procedure
1.Make sure that no la rge metal objects or
overhead power lines are in the vicinity of
your vehicle and that you have enough
space to drive in a circle.
2. Set the currently valid compass zone.
3. ensure that the retractable hardtop is fully
closed.
4. Press the adjustment button for approx.
6-7 seconds to call up C. Then drive in at
least one full circle at a speed of no more
than 4mph or 7km/h.
If calibration is successful, the display
changes from C to a compass direction.
5. Open the retractable hardtop fully and
repeat step 4.
Setting right-hand/left-hand steering
Your digital compass is factory-set to right-
hand or left-hand steeri ng, in accordance with
your vehicle.
Setting the language
You can set the language of the display:
Press the adjustment button for approx.
12-13 seconds. Briefly press the adjustment
button again to switch between English, "E",
and German, "O".
The setting is automatically saved after approx.
10 seconds.
Glove compartment
Opening
Pull the handle, arrow 2.
The light in the glove compartment comes on.
To prevent injury in the event of an acci-
dent while the vehicle is being driven,
close the glove compartment immediately
after use. <
Closing
Fold cover up.
Locking
Lock with a key, arrow 1.
If you hand out the remote control without
the integrated key, such as at a hotel,
refer to page 28, the glove compartment cannot
be unlocked.
USB interface for data transmission
Port for importing and exporting data on USB
devices, e.g. music collections, refer to
page 153.

Things to remember when driving
112
The risk of hydroplaning
increases with declin-
ing tread depth on the tire s, refer also to Mini-
mum tread depth on page 194.
Driving through water
Drive though calm water only if it is not
deeper than 1 ft/25 cm and at this height
no faster than walking speed, up to 6 mph/
10 km/h. Otherwise, the vehicle's engine, the
electrical systems and the transmission may be
damaged. <
Use the parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle for a
lengthy period using the clutch; use the
parking brake instead. Ot herwise greater clutch
wear will result. <
For more information about the drive-off assis-
tant, refer to page 80.
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. Applying the brakes fully is the most
effective way of braking in situations in which
this is necessary. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that
ABS is in its active mode.
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pre ssure on the brake pedal
every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors. Full
braking efficiency will th en be available when
you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least br aking is required. Even light but consistent brak
e pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure. <
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Down-
shifting in manual mode of the automatic trans-
mission, refer to page 54.
7-gear sport automatic transmission with
dual clutch: Never drive with the trans-
mission in neutral or with the engine switched
off; otherwise, engine braking action will not be
present or there will be no power assistance to
the brakes or steering.
Manual transmission: Never drive with the
clutch held down, with the transmission in neu-
tral or with the engine switched off; otherwise,
engine braking action will not be present or
there will be no power a ssistance to the brakes
or steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
pedals, otherwise peda l function could be
impaired. <
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driv en only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in op erating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminan ts accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to re spond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail
to cure.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms wh ile the automatic cli-
mate control is in operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water
under the vehicle are therefore normal.