2013 BMW ACTIVEHYBRID3 ABS

Indicator/warning lamps
The indicator and warning lamps can light up in
a variety of combinations and colors.
Several of the lamps are checked for proper
functioning and light up temporarily when the
engine is started or the ignition is switched on.
Overview: indicator/warning lamps
SymbolFunction or systemTurn signalFront fog lampsRear fog lampHigh beamsHigh-beam AssistantParking lamps, headlamp controlCollision warningAdjustable speed limitSymbolFunction or systemCruise controlLane departure warningDSC Dynamic Stability ControlDSC Dynamic Stability Control is de‐
activated or DTC Dynamic Traction
Control is activatedTire Pressure Monitor
Flat Tire MonitorSafety beltsAirbag systemSteering systemEngine functionsParking brake
Brake systemIn Canadian models
Parking brake
Brake systemABS Antilock Brake SystemABS Antilock Brake System in Cana‐
dian modelsAt least one Check Control message
is displayed or is stored (symbol in
display)Seite 76ControlsDisplays76
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Driving stability control systemsVehicle equipment
All standard, country-specific and optional
equipment that is offered in the model series is
described in this chapter. Therefore, equipment
is also described that is not available in a vehicle,
e. g., because of the selected optional equip‐
ment or country variant. This also applies for
safety-related functions and systems.
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.
Brake assistant
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.
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control
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. Subjectto physical limits, DSC helps to keep the vehicle
on a steady course by reducing engine speed
and by applying brakes at 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.◀
Indicator/warning lamps The indicator lamp flashes: DSC con‐
trols the drive forces and brake forces.
The indicator lamp lights up: DSC has
failed.
Deactivating DSC: DSC OFF
When DSC is deactivated, driving stability is re‐
duced during acceleration and when driving in
bends.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
Deactivating DSC Press and hold the button, but not lon‐
ger than approx. 10 seconds, until the
indicator lamp for DSC OFF lights up in the in‐
strument cluster and DSC OFF is displayed.
The DSC system is switched off.
Activating DSC Press the button.
DSC OFF and the DSC OFF indicator
lamp go out.Seite 111Driving stability control systemsControls111
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Indicator/warning lamps
When DSC is deactivated, DSC OFF is dis‐
played in the instrument cluster.
The indicator lamp lights up: DSC is de‐
activated.
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control
The concept
The DTC system is a version of the DSC in which
forward momentum is optimized.
The system ensures maximum forward momen‐
tum on special road conditions, e.g., unplowed
snowy roads, but driving stability is limited.
It is therefore necessary to drive with appropri‐
ate caution.
You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC un‐
der the following special circumstances:▷When driving in slush 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/activating DTC Dynamic
Traction Control
Activating the Dynamic Traction Control DTC
provides maximum traction on loose ground.
Driving stability is limited during acceleration
and when driving in bends.
Activating DTC Press the button.
TRACTION is displayed in the instru‐
ment cluster and the indicator lamp for DSC
OFF lights up.
Deactivating DTC
Press the button again.
TRACTION and the DSC OFF indicator
lamp go out.
Dynamic Damping Control
The concept
This system reduces undesirable vehicle mo‐
tion when using a dynamic driving style or trav‐
eling on uneven road surfaces.
The system enhances driving dynamics and
comfort as required for the road surface and
driving style.
Programs
The system offers several different programs.
The programs can be selected via the Driving
Dynamics Control, refer to page 113.
SPORT
Consistently sporty control of the shock absorb‐
ers for greater driving agility.
SPORT+
Consistently sporty control of the shock absorb‐
ers and engine controller for greater driving agil‐
ity when driving with limited driving stabilization.
COMFORT / ECO PRO
Balanced control of the vehicle.
Variable sport steering
The variable sport steering increases the steer‐
ing angle of the front wheels at large steering
wheel angles, e.g., in tight curves or when park‐
ing. Steering becomes more direct.
It also varies the force required to turn the
wheels in accordance with the vehicle speed.Seite 112ControlsDriving stability control systems112
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3.Press and hold down brake pedal.4.Use the accelerator pedal to maintain an en‐
gine speed of approx. 2,000 rpm.
After a few minutes, the high-voltage battery is
fully charged again.
The battery charge indicator in the instrument
cluster, refer to page 79, is used to check the
status.
General driving notes
Closing the trunk lid Drive with the trunk lid closed
Only drive with the tailgate closed; other‐
wise, in the event of an accident or braking or
evasive maneuvers, passengers or other road
users may be injured or the vehicle may be dam‐
aged. In addition, exhaust fumes may enter the
passenger compartment.◀
If driving with the tailgate open cannot be
avoided:
▷Close all windows and the glass sunroof.▷Greatly increase the blower speed.▷Drive moderately.
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. When driv‐
ing, standing at idle and while parking, take care
to avoid possible contact between the hot ex‐
haust system and any highly flammable materi‐
als such as hay, leaves, grass, etc. 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 advised that you do not use mobile commu‐
nication devices, e.g., mobile phones, inside the
vehicle without connecting them directly to the
external antenna. 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.Seite 154Driving tipsThings to remember when driving154
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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.
Ensure that the floor mats are securely fastened
again after they were removed for cleaning, for
example.◀
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.
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
Do not drive in neutral or with the engine
stopped, as doing so disables engine braking. In
addition, steering and brake assist is unavailable
with the engine stopped.◀
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.
Traces of water under the vehicle like this are
normal.
Seite 155Things to remember when drivingDriving tips155
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Wheel and tire combination
Information on the correct wheel-tire combina‐
tion and rim versions for your vehicle can be ob‐
tained from your service center.
Incorrect wheel and tire combinations impair the
function of a variety of systems such as ABS or
DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle re‐
sponse, use only tires with a single tread con‐
figuration from a single manufacturer.
Following tire damage, have the original wheel
and tire combination remounted on the vehicle
as soon as possible.
Approved wheels and tires
The manufacturer of your vehicle recom‐
mends that you use only wheels and tires that
have been approved for your particular vehicle
model.
For example, despite having the same official
size ratings, variations can lead to body contact
and with it, the risk of severe accidents.
The manufacturer of your vehicle cannot evalu‐
ate non-approved wheels and tires to determine
if they are suited for use, and therefore cannot
ensure the operating safety of the vehicle if they
are mounted.◀
Recommended tire brands
For each tire size, the manufacturer of your ve‐
hicle recommends certain tire brands. These
can be identified by a star on the tire sidewall.
With proper use, these tires meet the highest
standards for safety and handling.
New tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac‐
tion potential until after an initial breaking-in pe‐
riod.
Drive conservatively for the first
200 miles/300 km.
Retreaded tires
The manufacturer of your vehicle does not rec‐
ommend the use of retreaded tires.
Retreaded tires
Possibly substantial variations in the de‐
sign and age of the tire casing structures can
limit service life and have a negative impact on
road safety.◀
Winter tires
The manufacturer of your vehicle recommends
winter tires for winter roads or at temperatures
below +45 ℉/+7 ℃.
Although so-called all-season M+S tires do pro‐
vide better winter traction than summer tires,
they do not provide the same level of perform‐
ance as winter tires.
Maximum speed of winter tires
If the maximum speed of the vehicle is higher
than the permissible speed for the winter tires,
then display a corresponding sign in the field of
vision. You can obtain this sign from the tire spe‐
cialist or from your service center.
Maximum speed for winter tires
Do not exceed the maximum speed for the
winter tires; otherwise, tire damage and acci‐
dents can occur.◀
Run-flat tires
If you are already using run-flat tires, for your
own safety you should replace them only with
the same kind. No spare tire is available in theSeite 174MobilityWheels and tires174
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Everything from A to Z
IndexA
ABS, Antilock Brake Sys‐ tem 111
Activated-charcoal filter 134
Activate drive readiness 64
Active Blind Spot Detec‐ tion 106
ActiveHybrid, system 30
Active Protection 108
Adaptive brake lights, refer to Brake force display 108
Adaptive light control 92
Additives, oil 179
Adjustments, seats/head re‐ straints 49
After washing vehicle 201
Airbags 95
Airbags, indicator/warning light 96
Air circulation, refer to Recir‐ culated-air mode 133
Air, dehumidifying, refer to Cooling function 133
Air distribution, manual 134
Air flow, automatic climate control 134
Air pressure, tires 169
Air vents, refer to Ventila‐ tion 135
Alarm system 44
Alarm, unintentional 45
All around the center con‐ sole 16
All around the headliner 17
All around the steering wheel 14
All-season tires, refer to Win‐ ter tires 174
Alternating-code hand-held transmitter 139 Alternative oil types 179
Antifreeze, washer fluid 70
Antilock Brake System, ABS 111
Anti-slip control, refer to DSC 111
Approved axle load 207
Approved engine oils 179
Arrival time 85
Ash tray 142
Assistance for the combustion engine 67
Assistance, Roadside Assis‐ tance 195
Assistance when driving off 115
ASSIST, Hybrid system 67
Assist system information, on Control Display 88
Attentiveness assistant 108
AUTO intensity 133
Automatic car wash 200
Automatic climate control with enhanced features 132
Automatic Curb Monitor 57
Automatic deactivation, front passenger airbags 97
Automatic deactivation of the hybrid system 199
Automatic engine start-stop function 65
Automatic headlamp con‐ trol 91
Automatic locking 41
Automatic recirculated-air control 133
Automatic transmission with Steptronic 71
AUTO program, automatic cli‐ mate control 133
AUTO program, intensity 133 Auxiliary air conditioning 136
Average fuel consumption 85
Average speed 85
Axle loads, weights 207
B
Backrest curvature, refer to Lumbar support 51
Backrest, width 51
Backup camera 120
Band-aids, refer to First aid kit 195
Bar for tow-starting/tow‐ ing 197
Battery replacement, vehicle battery 192
Battery replacement, vehicle remote control 34
Battery, vehicle 191
Belts, safety belts 52
Beverage holder, cu‐ pholder 148
Blinds, sun protection 47
BMW ActiveHybrid 30
BMW Assist, see user's manual for Navigation, Enter‐
tainment and Communica‐
tion
BMW Homepage 6
BMW Internet page 6
BMW maintenance sys‐ tem 181
Bonus range, ECO PRO 161
Bottle holder, refer to Cu‐ pholder 148
Brake assistant 111
Brake discs, breaking in 152
Brake force display 108
Brake lamps, brake force dis‐ play 108 Seite 210ReferenceEverything from A to Z210
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