2013 BMW Z4 ESP

Driving stability control systemsVehicle equipmentThis 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
systems.
Antilock Brake System ABS
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during
braking.
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 short‐
est possible braking distance during full brak‐
ing. This system utilizes all of the benefits pro‐
vided 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. Sub‐
ject 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The laws of physics cannot be repealed, even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 100.
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 99Driving stability control systemsControls99
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air 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 posi‐
tion, a small amount of air is also directed to‐
ward 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 acti‐
vated/deactivated, refer to page 12, via a but‐
ton on the steering wheel.
Only use recirculated air mode for a lim‐
ited period
If condensation starts to form on the inside
window surfaces during operation in the recir‐
culated air mode, you should switch it off while
also increasing the air flow rate as required.
The recirculated air mode should not be used
continuously for lengthy periods; otherwise,
the quality 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.Seite 108ControlsClimate108
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Microfilter
The microfilter removes dust and pollen from
the incoming air. The microfilter is changed byyour service center during routine mainte‐
nance work.
Automatic climate control
1Temperature, 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
information on the available setting options.
Most of these settings are stored for the re‐
mote control currently in use, Personal Profile
settings, refer to page 31.
Air distribution, manual
Depending on the selected setting, the air is
directed 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 pas‐
senger sides.
The automatic climate control
achieves this temperature as quickly as possi‐
ble regardless of the season, using maximum
cooling or heating power if necessary, and
then maintains it.Seite 110ControlsClimate110
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on the interior rearview mirror. The re‐
quired 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, re‐
lease both buttons. Rapid flashing indi‐
cates that the button on the interior rear‐
view mirror has been programmed.
If the LED does not flash faster after
60 seconds, change the distance between
the interior rearview mirror and the hand-
held transmitter and repeat the step. Multi‐
ple trials at different distances may be nec‐
essary. Wait at least 15 seconds between
trials.
Canada: if the programming procedure
with the hand-held transmitter was inter‐
rupted, press and hold the button on the
interior rearview mirror and press the but‐
ton 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 re‐
peated programming, check whether the sys‐
tem 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 re‐
peats itself for approx. 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 re‐
mote-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 syn‐
chronization procedure. When synchroni‐
zation is completed, the programmed func‐
tion is executed.
Reprogramming individual buttons
1.Switch on the ignition.2.Hold the hand-held transmitter at a dis‐
tance 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.Seite 115Interior equipmentControls115
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If the LED does not flash rapidly after ap‐
prox. 60 seconds, change the distance and
repeat the step.
Canada: if the LED does not flash rapidly
after approx. 60 seconds, change the dis‐
tance and repeat the step. If programming
was aborted by the hand-held transmitter,
hold down the memory button and press
and release the button on the hand-held
transmitter 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
movement 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
continuously 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
cannot 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
pressing the adjustment button with a pointed
object such as a ball-point pen. The following
adjustment options are displayed one after the
other, depending on how long you keep the
adjustment 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 po‐
sition mode, or when parked. Such contact
could lead to a fire, and with it the risk of seri‐
ous personal injury as well as property dam‐
age.
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 con‐
nection to an external aerial in the vehicle's
passenger compartment. Otherwise, the vehi‐
cle electronics and mobile communication de‐
vices can interfere with each other. In addition,
there is no assurance that the radiation gener‐
ated 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
electrical systems and the transmission may
be damaged.◀
Braking safely
Your vehicle is equipped with ABS as a stand‐
ard feature.
Applying the brakes fully is the most effective
way of braking in situations when this is neces‐
sary.
The vehicle maintains steering responsive‐
ness. 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 129Things to remember when drivingDriving tips129
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Ensure that the floor mats are securely fas‐
tened again when they are returned after being
removed, 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, re‐
sulting in a reduction in the brake system effi‐
ciency.
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 64.
Downshifting in manual mode of the 7-gear
Sport automatic transmission with dual clutch,
refer to page 67.
Avoid load on the brakes
Avoid placing excessive load on the
brake system. Light but consistent brake pres‐
sure can lead to high temperatures, brake wear
and possibly 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 contamina‐
tion 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,
condensation water develops that exits under‐
neath the vehicle.
Therefore, traces of condensed water under
the vehicle are normal.
Loading Overloading the vehicle
To avoid exceeding the approved carry‐
ing capacity of the tires, never overload the ve‐
hicle. Overloading can lead to overheating and
increases the rate at which damage develops
inside 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.
Tires
General information
Tires can have varying effects on fuel con‐
sumption; for example, fuel consumption can
be influenced by the tire size.
Check the tire inflation pressure
regularly
Check and, if necessary, correct the tire infla‐
tion pressure, refer to page 227, 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 vehi‐ cle 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 engine speeds.
When you reach the desired speed, shift into
the highest applicable gear and drive with the
engine speed as low as possible and at a con‐
stant 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.
Automatic Engine Start/Stop Function
The Automatic Engine Start/Stop Function au‐
tomatically switches the engine off during a
stop.
If the engine is stopped and then started again,
fuel consumption and emissions drop com‐
pared to an engine that runs permanently.
Stopping the engine even for just a few sec‐
onds can result in savings.
Use of this system can cause premature wear
on certain vehicle components.
In addition, fuel consumption depends on
other factors as well, such as driving style, road
conditions, maintenance, and environmental
factors.
Additional information on the Automatic En‐
gine Start/Stop Function, refer to page 57.
Switch off any functions that are not
currently needed
Functions such as the automatic climate con‐
trol require a large amount of energy and con‐
sume additional fuel, especially in city and
stop-and-go traffic.
Therefore, switch off these functions if they
are not actually needed.Seite 133Things to remember when drivingDriving tips133
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