2012 BMW Z4 SDRIVE35I ESP

Driving stability control systemsVehicle equipment
This chapter describes all series equipment as
well as country-specific and special equipment
offered for this model series.Therefore, it also
describes equipment that may not be found in
your vehicle, for instance due to the selected
special equipment or the country version. This
also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐
tems.
Antilock Brake System ABS
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during brak‐
ing.
The vehicle remains steerable even during full
brake applications, thus increasing active
safety.
ABS is operational every time you start the en‐
gine.
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. It thus helps to achieve the shortest
possible braking distance during full braking.
This system utilizes all of the benefits provided
by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
for the duration of the full braking.Dynamic Stability Control
DSC
The concept
DSC prevents traction loss in the driving wheels
when driving away and accelerating.
DSC also recognizes unstable vehicle condi‐
tions, such as fishtailing or nose-diving. Subject
to physical limits, DSC helps to keep the vehicle
on a steady course by reducing engine speed
and by applying brakes to the individual wheels.
Adjust your driving style to the situation
An appropriate driving style is always the
responsibility of the driver.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed, even
with DSC.
Therefore, do not reduce the additional safety
margin by driving in a risky manner.◀
Activating/deactivating DSC
DSC can be deactivated/activated via the DSC
OFF program of the Dynamic Driving Control,
refer to page 82.
For better control The DSC indicator lamp flashes: DSC is
controlling the drive forces and brake
forces.
The DSC indicator lamp lights up: DSC has
failed.Seite 81Driving stability control systemsControls81
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supply continuously; the levers change the
direction of the airflow.5Air vent: air for the knee area, footwell
Air conditioner
1Vent settings2Recirculated air mode3Cooling function4Temperature5Air volume6Rear window defrosterVent settings
Direct the flow of air to the win‐
dows
, to the upper body area
, or to the knee area and foot‐
well
. Intermediate positions are
possible. In the 6 o'clock position, a
small amount of air is also directed toward the
windows to keep them from fogging over.
Recirculated air mode If the air outside the car has an un‐
pleasant odor or contains pollu‐
tants, shut off the supply to the interior of the car
temporarily. The system then recirculates the air
currently within the vehicle.
The recirculated air mode can also be activated/
deactivated, refer to page 12, via a button on the
steering wheel.
Only use recirculated air mode for a limited
period
If condensation starts to form on the inside win‐
dow surfaces during operation in the recircu‐
lated air mode, you should switch it off while also
increasing the air flow rate as required. The re‐
circulated air mode should not be used contin‐
uously for lengthy periods; otherwise, the qual‐
ity of the air inside the car will gradually
deteriorate.◀
Air volume Press the corresponding button.
The higher the rate, the more ef‐
fective the heating or cooling will
be.
The air flow rate may be reduced or the blower
may be switched off entirely to save on battery
power.
Switching the system on/off Press the left button at the mini‐
mum fan speed. The blower and air
conditioner are completely
switched off and the air supply is cut off.Seite 90ControlsClimate90
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Automatic climate control1Temperature, left side of passenger com‐
partment2Maximum cooling3Rear window defroster4Defrosting windows and removing conden‐
sation5Automatic recirculated air control/recircu‐
lated air mode6Manual air distribution7AUTO program8Air flow rate, manual, climate level9Temperature, right side of passenger com‐
partment10Switching cooling function on/off manuallyComfortable interior climate
For almost all conditions, the AUTO program 7
offers the optimum air distribution and air flow
rate, refer to AUTO programs below. Select a
comfortable interior temperature only.
The following sections contain more detailed in‐
formation on the available setting options.
Most of these settings are stored for the remote
control currently in use, Personal Profile set‐
tings, refer to page 21.
Air distribution, manual
Depending on the selected setting, the air is di‐
rected to the windshield, to the upper body area,
to the knee area and into the footwell.
Adjusting air distribution manually Press the button repeatedly until
the air distribution is set as re‐
quired. The corresponding LED lights up.
The manual air distribution is also switched on
when the AUTO program is deactivated.Temperature
Set the desired temperatures indi‐
vidually for the driver's and passen‐
ger sides.
The automatic climate control ach‐
ieves this temperature as quickly as possible re‐
gardless of the season, using maximum cooling
or heating power if necessary, and then main‐
tains it.
To give the automatic climate control enough
time to achieve the set temperature, do not
switch between different temperature settings
in quick succession.
Maximum heating power can be obtained with
the highest setting, regardless of the external
temperature.
The lowest setting effects continuous cooling.Seite 92ControlsClimate92
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distance depends on the particular hand-
held transmitter.4.Press the button of the desired function on
the hand-held transmitter and the button
being programmed on the interior rearview
mirror simultaneously and hold. The LED on
the interior rearview mirror flashes slowly at
first.5.When the LED flashes more rapidly, release
both buttons. Rapid flashing indicates that
the button on the interior rearview mirror has
been programmed.
If the LED does not flash faster after 60 sec‐
onds, change the distance between the in‐
terior rearview mirror and the hand-held
transmitter and repeat the step. Multiple tri‐
als at different distances may be necessary.
Wait at least 15 seconds between trials.
Canada: If the programming procedure with
the hand-held transmitter was interrupted,
press and hold the button on the interior
rearview mirror and press the button on the
hand-held transmitter multiple times for
2 seconds each and release.6.To program additional functions on other
buttons, repeat steps 3 to 5.
The systems can be operated with the buttons
on the interior rearview mirror.
Special characteristics of alternating-
code radio systems
If the system cannot be operated after repeated
programming, check whether the system to be
operated uses an alternating-code system.
Read the operating instructions of the system or
press and hold the programmed button on the
interior rearview mirror. If the LED on the interior
rearview mirror flashes rapidly at first and then
lights up continuously for 2 seconds, the system
is equipped with an alternating-code system.
This flashing LED pattern repeats itself for ap‐
prox. 20 seconds.
In systems with an alternating-code system, the
Universal Garage Door Opener and the system
must be additionally synchronized.
Please obtain additional information on syn‐
chronization in the operating instructions of the
system being set up.
The systems will be easier to synchronize with
the aid of a second person.
Synchronization:1.Park the vehicle within range of the remote-
controlled system.2.Program the corresponding button on the
interior rearview mirror as described.3.Identify and press the synchronization but‐
ton on the system being set up. You have
approx. 30 seconds for the next step.4.Press and hold the button on the interior
rearview mirror for approx. 3 seconds and
then release it. Repeat this step up to three
times if necessary to complete the synchro‐
nization procedure. When synchronization
is completed, the programmed function is
executed.
Reprogramming individual buttons
1.Switch on the ignition.2.Hold the hand-held transmitter at a distance
of approx. 1 to 3 in/2.5 to 8 cm from the
memory buttons.
The required distance depends on the par‐
ticular hand-held transmitter.3.Press the memory button of the Universal
Garage Door Opener.4.If the LED flashes slowly after approx.
20 seconds, press the transmit button on
the hand-held transmitter.5.Release both buttons when the LED flashes
rapidly.
If the LED does not flash rapidly after approx.
60 seconds, change the distance and repeat
the step.Seite 97Interior equipmentControls97
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Canada: if the LED does not flash rapidly af‐
ter approx. 60 seconds, change the distance
and repeat the step. If programming was
aborted by the hand-held transmitter, hold
down the memory button and press and re‐
lease the button on the hand-held transmit‐
ter several times for 2 seconds.
Controls
Prior to operation
Before operating a unit with the Universal
Garage Door Opener, ensure that there are no
people, animals, or objects in the range of move‐
ment of the system; otherwise, there is a risk of
injury or damage.
Also follow the safety instructions of the hand-
held transmitter.◀
The system, such as the garage door, can be
operated using the button on the interior rear‐
view mirror with the engine running or the igni‐
tion switched on. When you are within the re‐
ception range of the system, press and hold the
button until the function is initiated. The LED on
the interior rearview mirror lights up continu‐
ously while the radio signal is being transmitted.
Deleting stored functions
Press the right and left buttons on the interior
rearview mirror simultaneously for approx.
20 seconds until the LED flashes rapidly. All
stored functions are deleted. The functions can‐
not be deleted individually.
Digital compass
1Adjustment button2Display
The display shows you the main or secondary
compass direction in which you are driving.
Operating concept
You can call up a number of functions by press‐
ing the adjustment button with a pointed object
such as a ball-point pen. The following adjust‐
ment options are displayed one after the other,
depending on how long you keep the adjust‐
ment button pressed:▷Press briefly: switch the display on/off.▷3 to 6 seconds: set the compass zone.▷6 to 9 seconds: calibrate the compass.▷9 to 12 seconds: set left-hand/right hand
steering.▷12 to 15 seconds: set the language.
Setting compass zones
Set the compass zone corresponding to your
vehicle's geographic location so that the com‐
pass can function correctly; refer to the world
map with compass zones.
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If the vehicle must be driven with the trunk lid
open:1.Close all windows.2.Greatly increase the air flow rate of the air
conditioner or automatic climate control.
Hot exhaust system
Hot exhaust system
High temperatures are generated in the
exhaust system.
Do not remove the heat shields installed and
never apply undercoating to them. Make sure
that flammable materials, e. g. hay, leaves, grass,
etc. do not come in contact with the hot exhaust
system during driving, while in idle position
mode, or when parked. Such contact could lead
to a fire, and with it the risk of serious personal
injury as well as property damage.
Do not touch hot exhaust pipes; otherwise, there
is the danger of getting burned.◀
Mobile communication devices in the
vehicle
Mobile communication devices in the ve‐
hicle
It is not recommended to use mobile phones,
such as mobile phones without a direct connec‐
tion to an external aerial in the vehicle's passen‐
ger compartment. Otherwise, the vehicle elec‐
tronics and mobile communication devices can
interfere with each other. In addition, there is no
assurance that the radiation generated during
transmission will be discharged from the vehicle
interior.◀
Hydroplaning
On wet or slushy roads, a wedge of water can
form between the tires and road surface.
This phenomenon is referred to as hydroplan‐
ing. It is characterized by a partial or complete
loss of contact between the tires and the road
surface, ultimately undermining your ability to
steer and brake the vehicle.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads, re‐
duce your speed to prevent hydroplaning.◀
Driving through water
Drive though calm water only if it is not deeper
than 9.8 inches/25 cm and at this height, no
faster than walking speed, up to 6 mph/10 km/h.
Adhere to water depth and speed limita‐
tions
Do not exceed this water depth and walking
speed; otherwise, the vehicle's engine, the elec‐
trical systems and the transmission may be
damaged.◀
Braking safely
Your vehicle is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature.
Applying the brakes fully is the most effective
way of braking in situations when this is neces‐
sary.
The vehicle maintains steering responsiveness.
You can still avoid any obstacles with a minimum
of steering effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal and sounds from
the hydraulic circuits indicate that ABS is in its
active mode.
Objects in the area around the pedals No objects in the area around the pedals
Keep floor mats, carpets, and any other
objects out of the area of motion of the pedals;
otherwise, the function of the pedals could be
impeded while driving
Do not place additional floor mats over existing
mats or other objects.
Only use floor mats that have been approved for
the vehicle and can be properly fixed in place.Seite 109Things to remember when drivingDriving tips109
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Ensure that the floor mats are securely fastened
again when they are returned after being re‐
moved, such as for cleaning.◀
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain, briefly
exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal every
few miles.
Ensure that this action does not endanger other
road users.
The heat generated in this process helps dry the
brake discs and pads.
In this way braking efficiency will be available
when you need it.
Hills
Drive long or steep downhill gradients in the gear
in which the least braking is required. Otherwise,
the brake system may overheat, resulting in a
reduction in the brake system efficiency.
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, going all the way to first gear, if
necessary.
Downshifting in manual mode of the 8-gear
Sport automatic transmission, refer to page 54.
Downshifting in manual mode of the 7-gear
Sport automatic transmission with dual clutch,
refer to page 57.
Avoid load on the brakes
Avoid placing excessive load on the brake
system. Light but consistent brake pressure can
lead to high temperatures, brake wear and pos‐
sibly even brake failure.◀
Do not drive in neutral
Never drive with the transmission in neu‐
tral, with the engine switched off or with the
clutch depressed; otherwise, you will have nei‐
ther the braking action of the engine or nor its
power assistance when braking or steering.◀Brake disc corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and contamination
on the brake pads are furthered by:▷Low mileage.▷Extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all.▷Infrequent use of the brakes.
Corrosion occurs when the minimum pressure
that must be exerted by the pads during brake
applications to clean the discs is not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake discs, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating ef‐
fect that generally cannot be corrected.
Condensation under the parked vehicle
When using the automatic climate control, con‐
densation water develops that exits underneath
the vehicle.
Therefore, traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are normal.
Loading Overloading the vehicle
To avoid exceeding the approved carrying
capacity of the tires, never overload the vehicle.
Overloading can lead to overheating and in‐
creases the rate at which damage develops in‐
side the tires. This could result in a sudden loss
of tire inflation pressure.◀
Secure heavy objects
Never transport unsecured heavy or hard
objects in the passenger compartment, as they
could be thrown around and pose a safety haz‐
ard to the vehicle's occupants during abrupt
braking or evasive maneuvers.◀
No fluids in the cargo area
Make sure that fluids do not leak into the
cargo area; otherwise, the vehicle may be dam‐
aged.◀
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Close both windows
An open window causes higher air resistance
and thus increases fuel consumption.
Check the tire inflation pressure
regularly
Check and, if necessary, correct the tire inflation
pressure, refer to page 155, at least twice a
month and before starting on a long trip.
Low tire inflation pressure increases rolling re‐
sistance and thus raises fuel consumption and
tire wear.
Drive away without delay
Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the
vehicle remains stationary. Start driving right
away, but at moderate engine speeds.
This is the fastest way for the cold engine to
reach its operating temperature.
Look well ahead when driving
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.
By maintaining a suitable distance to the vehicle
driving ahead of you.
Driving smoothly and looking ahead reduces
fuel consumption.
Avoid high engine speeds
Use 1st gear to get the vehicle in motion. Be‐
ginning with 2nd gear, accelerate rapidly. When
accelerating, shift up before reaching high en‐
gine speeds.
When you reach the desired speed, shift into the
highest applicable gear and drive with the en‐
gine speed as low as possible and at a constant
speed.
As a rule: driving at low engine speeds lowers
fuel consumption and reduces wear.
Use coasting conditions
When approaching a red light, take your foot off
the accelerator and coast to a halt in the highest
applicable gear.On a downhill slope, take your foot off the ac‐
celerator and coast in a suitable gear.
The flow of fuel is interrupted while coasting.
Switch off the engine during longer
stops
Switch off the engine during longer stops, e.g.,
at traffic lights, railroad crossings or in traffic
congestion.
Fuel savings are achieved after the vehicle is
switched off for only approx. 4 seconds.
The Automatic Engine Start/Stop Function au‐
tomatically switches the engine off during a
stop. Additional information on the Automatic
Engine Start/Stop Function, refer to page 47.
Switch off any functions that are not
currently needed
Functions such as the automatic climate control
require a large amount of energy and consume
additional fuel, especially in city and stop-and-
go traffic.
Therefore, switch off these functions if they are
not actually needed.
Have maintenance carried out
Have vehicles maintained regularly to achieve
optimal vehicle economy and operating life.
Have the maintenance carried out by your serv‐
ice center.
Please also note the BMW Maintenance Sys‐
tem, refer to page 168.Seite 113Things to remember when drivingDriving tips113
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