2014 BMW 550I XDRIVE brake

Traffic Jam AssistThe concept
In congestion situations, the system controls
the speed, steers independently as required
and keeps the vehicle close to the center of
the lane.
To the extent possible, the system automati‐
cally adjusts the speed to a slower vehicle
ahead of you. The distance that the vehicle
maintains to the vehicle ahead of you can be
varied. For safety reasons, it depends on the
speed. To maintain a certain distance, the sys‐
tem automatically reduces the speed, applies
the brakes lightly, or accelerates again if the
vehicle ahead begins moving faster.
When lane markings are detected, the system
keeps the vehicle in the center of the lane. For
this purpose, the system steers independently
as needed, for example, during cornering.
General information
The congestion assistant determines speed
and distance from the vehicle in front and the
position of the lane markings via a radar sensor
and a camera.
Sensors on the steering wheel detect whether
the steering wheel is being touched.
The system is deactivated as soon as the
steering wheel is no longer being touched.
In order to be able to use the Congestion As‐
sistant, place your hands around the steering
wheel.
When driving with gloves or with protective
covers, contact with the steering wheel cannot
be detected by the sensors. The system in this
case cannot be used.
Hints Personal responsibility
Even an active system does not release
the driver from personal responsibility for the
driving process, especially for lane tracking,adaptation of speed, distance and driving style
to the traffic conditions.
Because of technical system limits, the system
cannot independently react appropriately in all
traffic situations.
Monitor the driving process, the surrounding
area and what is occurring in traffic continu‐
ously and attentively and actively intervene as
required, e.g., by braking, steering or making
an evasive maneuver.◀
Unfavorable weather conditions
In the event of unfavorable weather and
light conditions, e. g. if there is rain, snowfall,
slush, fog or glare, this may result in poorer
recognition of vehicles as well as short-term
interruptions for vehicles and lane markings
that are already detected. Drive attentively, and
react to the current traffic events. Intervene ac‐
tively when necessary, e.g., by braking, steer‐
ing or making an evasive maneuver, otherwise,
there is danger of an accident.◀
Functional requirements▷Drive on approved road type. The data on
this are stored in the navigation system.
Approved road types are highways.▷Sufficient lane width.▷Lane marking on both sides is detected.▷Vehicle driving ahead is detected.▷Speed below 25 mph/40 km/h.▷Both hands on the steering wheel rim.▷Sufficient curvature.▷Drive in the center of the lane.Seite 143Driving comfortControls143
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Displays in the instrument clusterSymbolDescriptionCongestion Assistant and Distance
Control on standby.Congestion Assistant on standby.
Distance control controls within the
set distance.Congestion Assistant activated.
The system controls the speed and
assists with maintaining the lane.Rolling bars: speed is no longer in‐
creased by the congestion assistant
at 25 mph/40 km/h. When the
speed is increased by the driver, the
system does not perform any more
steering movements.Red flashing and signal tone: con‐
gestion Assistant is interrupted.
The system does not carry out a
steering movement. ACC exercises
control.
System limits
When driving within narrow driving lanes, e.g.,
in construction zones or rescue lanes, the sys‐
tem cannot be activated or meaningfully used.
Limited detection capacity
Because of the limits to the detection ca‐
pacity, you should be alert at all times so that
you can intervene if necessary; otherwise,
there is the danger of an accident occurring.◀
Complying with country-specific laws
When the Congestion Assistant is used,
observe specific national laws.◀
Cruise control
The concept The system is functional at speeds beginning
at approx. 20 mph/30 km/h.
It maintains the speed that was set using the
control elements on the steering wheel.
The system brakes on downhill gradients if en‐
gine braking action is insufficient.
Unfavorable conditions
Do not use the system if unfavorable
conditions make it impossible to drive at a con‐
stant speed, for instance:▷On curvy roads.▷In heavy traffic.▷On slippery roads, in fog, snow or rain, or
on a loose road surface.
Otherwise, you could lose control of the vehi‐
cle and cause an accident.◀
General information
Depending on the set driving program, the
characteristics of the cruise control can
change in certain areas.
Controls
At a glance
Press the
buttonFunctionCruise control on/off, interrupt‐
ing, refer to page 147Store/maintain speed, refer to
page 147Resume speed, refer to
page 148Rocker switch:
Change/maintain speed, refer
to page 147Seite 146ControlsDriving comfort146
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The arrangement of the buttons varies accord‐
ing to the how the vehicle is equipped or coun‐
try-specific variants.
Switching on Press the button on the steering
wheel.
The marking in the speedometer is set to the
current speed.
The cruise control can be used.
Switching off Deactivated or interrupted system
If the system is deactivated or inter‐
rupted, actively intervene by braking and, if
necessary, with evasive maneuvers; otherwise,
there is the danger of an accident occurring.◀
Press the button on the steering
wheel.▷If active: press twice.▷If interrupted: press once.
The displays go out. The stored desired speed
is deleted.
Interrupting When active, press the button.
The system is automatically interrupted if:
▷The brakes are applied.▷The clutch pedal is depressed for a few
seconds or released while a gear is not en‐
gaged.▷The transmission position D is disengaged.▷DTC Dynamic Traction Control is activated
or DSC is deactivated.▷DSC is actively controlling stability.▷HDC is activated.▷When SPORT+ is activated with Driving
Dynamics Control.Maintaining/storing the current speed
Press the button.
Or:
Press the rocker switch while the system is in‐
terrupted.
When the system is switched on, the current
speed is maintained and stored as the desired
speed.
This is displayed, refer to page 148, in the
speedometer and briefly in the instrument
cluster.
When cruise control is maintained or stored,
DSC Dynamic Stability Control is switched on,
if necessary.
Changing/maintaining speed The rocker switch can be pressed while the
system is interrupted in order to maintain and
store the current speed.
Adapting the desired speed
Adapt the desired speed to the road con‐
ditions and be ready to brake at all times; oth‐
erwise, there is the danger of an accident oc‐
curring.◀
Seite 147Driving comfortControls147
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Suitable parking space▷Gap between two objects with a minimum
length of approx. 5 ft/1.5 m.▷Min. length of gap between two objects:
your vehicle's length plus approx.
4 ft/1.2 m.▷Minimum depth: approx. 5 ft/1.5 m.
For parking procedure
▷Doors and trunk lid closed.▷Parking brake released.▷When parking in parking spaces on the
driver's side, the corresponding turn signal
must be set where applicable.
Automatic transmission:
▷Driver's seat belt fastened.
At a glance
Button in the vehicle
Parking assistant
Ultrasound sensors
The ultrasound sensors used to measure park‐
ing spaces are located in the side turn signals.
To ensure full operability:
▷Keep the sensors clean and free of ice.▷When using high-pressure washers, do not
spray the sensors for long periods and
maintain a distance of at least 12 in/30 cm.▷Do not paste over sensors.
Switching on/off
Switching on with the button Press the button.
The LED lights up.
The current status of the parking space search
is indicated on the Control Display.
Parking assistant is activated automatically.
Switching on with the reverse gear
Shift into reverse.
The current status of the parking space search
is indicated on the Control Display.
To activate:
"Parking Assistant"
Switching off The system can be deactivated as follows:
▷Press the button.▷Switch off the ignition.Seite 158ControlsDriving comfort158
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activated. When the system is deactivated,
the displays on the Control Display are
shown in gray.
Parking using the parking assistant
Check the traffic situation as well
Loud sounds outside and within the vehi‐
cle can drown out the signal tones of the park‐
ing assistant and PDC.
Check the traffic situation around the vehicle
with your own eyes; otherwise, there is the
danger of an accident.◀
1.Switch on the parking assistant and acti‐
vate it if necessary.
The status of the parking space search is
indicated on the Control Display.2.Follow the instructions on the Control Dis‐
play.
To achieve the best possible parking posi‐
tion, wait for the automatic steering wheel
movement after the gear change when the
vehicle is stationary.
The end of the parking procedure is indi‐
cated on the Control Display.3.Adjust the parking position yourself if nec‐
essary.
Interrupting manually
The parking assistant can be interrupted at any
time:
▷ "Parking Assistant"▷Press the button.
Interrupting automatically
The system is interrupted automatically in the
following situations:
▷If the driver grasps the steering wheel or if
he takes over steering.▷If a gear is selected that does not match
the instruction on the Control Display.▷If the vehicle speed exceeds approx.
6 mph/10 km/h.▷On snow-covered or slippery road surfaces
if necessary.▷When there are obstacles that are hard to
overcome, such as curbs.▷If the Park Distance Control PDC displays
clearances that are too small.▷If a maximum number of parking attempts
or the time taken for parking is exceeded.▷When switching to another function on the
Control Display.
Automatic transmission:
▷When the button is released.▷If the trunk lid is open.▷If doors are open.▷When setting the parking brake.▷During acceleration.▷When braking.▷When unfastening the driver's seat belt.
A Check Control message is displayed.
Resume An interrupted parking procedure can be con‐
tinued if necessary.
Follow the instructions on the Control Display
to do this.
System limits
No parking assistance
The parking assistant does not offer assis‐
tance in the following situations:
▷In tight curves.
Functional limitations
The system may not be fully functional in the
following situations:
▷On bumpy road surfaces such as gravel
roads.Seite 160ControlsDriving comfort160
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Things to remember when drivingVehicle equipment
All standard, country-specific and optional
equipment that is offered in the model series is
described in this chapter. Therefore, equip‐
ment is also described that is not available in a
vehicle, e. g., because of the selected optional
equipment or country variant. This also applies
for safety-related functions and systems.
Breaking-in period General information Moving parts need to be broken in to adjust to
each other.
The following instructions will help achieve a
long vehicle life and good economy.
Engine and differential Always obey the official speed limit.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Do not exceed the maximum engine and road
speed:▷For gasoline engine 4,500 rpm and
100 mph/160 km/h.▷For diesel engine 3,500 rpm and
93 mph/150 km/h.
Avoid full load or kickdown under all circum‐
stances.
From 1,200 miles/2,000 km The engine and vehicle speed can gradually be
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full
traction potential until after an initial breaking-
in period.
Drive conservatively for the first
200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of ap‐
prox. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized
contact and wear patterns between brake
discs and brake pads. Drive moderately during
this break-in period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch reaches its optimal
level only after a distance driven of approx.
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period,
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
The same breaking in procedures should be
observed if any of the components mentioned
above have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.
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 and
evasive maneuvers, passengers and other road
users may be injured, and the vehicle may be
damaged. In addition, exhaust fumes may en‐
ter 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.Seite 186Driving tipsThings to remember when driving186
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Hot exhaust systemHot 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.◀
Diesel particulate filter The diesel particulate filter collects soot parti‐
cles and burns them periodically at high tem‐
peratures.
During the cleaning time of several minutes,
the following may occur:▷Temporarily, the engine may run less
smoothly.▷Noises and a slight amount of smoke com‐
ing from the exhaust until shortly after the
engine is shut down.▷A somewhat higher engine speed is neces‐
sary to achieve the accustomed perform‐
ance.
Climate control windshield
The marked area is not covered with heat re‐
flective coating.
Use this area for garage door openers, devices
for electronic toll collection, etc.
Climate control laminated tinted
safety glass
The vehicle glass provides full protection
against the harmful effects of UV radiation on
the skin.
Mobile communication devices in thevehicle
Mobile communication devices in the ve‐
hicle
It is advised that you do not use mobile com‐
munication devices, e.g., mobile phones, in‐
side the vehicle without connecting them di‐
rectly to the external antenna. Otherwise, the
vehicle electronics and mobile communication
devices can interfere with each other. In addi‐
tion, there is no assurance that the radiation
generated during transmission will be dis‐
charged 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 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.◀Seite 187Things to remember when drivingDriving tips187
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Drive through calm water only and 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.
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 within the range of movement
of 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 and create the risk of an
accident.
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 fas‐
tened again after they were removed for clean‐
ing, for example.◀
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet coated with road salt or
there is heavy rain, briefly exert gentle pres‐
sure 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.
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
Do not drive in neutral or with the engine
stopped, as doing so disables engine braking.
In addition, steering and brake assist are un‐
available with the engine stopped.◀
Brake disc corrosion
The corrosion on the brake discs and the con‐
tamination 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.
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