2015 BMW Z4 Page 1

3.Push button 1 up or down to select the de‐
sired brightness level.4.Press button 2.
The display again shows the external tem‐
perature and the time.
Interior lights
The interior lamps, footwell lamps, entry
lamps, cargo area lamp, and courtesy lamps
are controlled automatically.
The LEDs for the courtesy lamps are set in the
door handles and illuminate the ground in front
of the doors.
To avoid draining the battery, all lights inside
the car are switched off about 8 minutes after
the ignition is switched off, Start/Stop button,
refer to page 57.
Switching interior lights on/off
manually
Interior lamps:
To switch on and off, press the button.
To switch off the interior lamps, footwell
lamps, entry lamps, and courtesy lamps per‐
manently, press the button for the front interior
lamps for about 3 seconds.
Reading lights
The reading lamps are located next to the inte‐
rior lamp. To switch on and off, press the but‐
ton.
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▷Do not place slip covers, seat cushions or
other objects on the front passenger seat
that are not approved specifically for seats
with integrated side airbags.▷Do not hang pieces of clothing, such as
jackets, over the backrests.▷Make sure that passengers do not lean
their heads against the side airbag; other‐
wise, serious injuries could result if the air‐
bag suddenly deployed.▷Do not remove the airbag restraint system.▷Do not remove the steering wheel.▷Do not apply adhesive materials to the air‐
bag cover panels, cover them or modify
them in any way.▷Never modify either the individual compo‐
nents or the wiring in the airbag system.
This also applies to the covers of the steer‐
ing wheel, the dashboard and the seats.◀
In the case of a malfunction, deactivation
and after triggering of the airbags
Do not touch the individual components imme‐
diately after the system has been triggered;
otherwise, there is the danger of burns.
Only have the airbags checked, repaired or dis‐
mantled and the airbag generator scrapped by
your service center or a workshop that has the
necessary authorization for handling explo‐
sives.
Non-professional attempts to service the sys‐
tem could lead to failure in an emergency or
undesired triggering of the airbag, either of
which could result in injury.◀
Warning notices and information about the air‐
bags can also be found on the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of the
passenger airbags
The system determines whether the front pas‐
senger seat is occupied by measuring the re‐
sistance of the human body. The front and side
airbags on the front passenger side are acti‐
vated or deactivated accordingly by the sys‐
tem.
The indicator lamp above the interior rearview
mirror shows the current status of the passen‐
ger airbags, deactivated or activated, refer to
Status of passenger airbags below.
Passenger feet in the footwellMake sure that the front passenger
keeps his or her feet in the footwell; otherwise,
the front passenger airbags may not function
properly.◀
Child restraint fixing system in the front
passenger seat
Before transporting a child on the passenger
seat, read the safety and operating instructions
under Transporting children safely, refer to
page 55.◀
Malfunction of the automatic
deactivation system
The front passenger airbags may be deacti‐
vated if adolescents and adults sit in certain
positions; the indicator lamp for the front pas‐
senger airbags comes on. In this case, change
the sitting position so that the front passenger
airbags are activated and the indicator lamp
goes out. If the desired airbag status cannot be
achieved by changing the sitting position, do
not transport the passenger in the vehicle.
To make sure that occupation of the seat
cushion can be detected correctly:▷Do not attach seat covers, seat cushion
padding, ball mats or other items to the
passenger seat unless they are specifically
recommended by BMW.▷Do not place any objects on the front pas‐
senger seat.▷Do not place objects under the seat that
could press against the seat from below.Seite 93SafetyControls93
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Status of passenger airbags
The indicator lamp for the front passenger air‐
bags indicates the operating status of the front
and side airbags on the front passenger side
depending on the seat occupation. The indica‐
tor lamp shows whether the passenger airbags
are activated or deactivated.
▷The indicator lamp lights up when a child
who is properly seated in a child restraint
system intended for that purpose is de‐
tected on the seat or the seat is empty.
The front and side airbags on the front
passenger side are not activated. Most
child seats are detected by the system. Es‐
pecially the child seats required by NHTSA
at the time that the vehicle was manufac‐
tured. After installing a child seat, make
sure that the indicator lamp for the front
passenger airbags lights up. This indicates
that the child seat has been detected and
the front passenger airbags are not acti‐
vated.▷The indicator lamp does not light up when,
for example, a person of sufficient size and
in a correct sitting position is detected on
the seat. The front and front passenger air‐
bags on the front passenger side are acti‐
vated.Operational readiness of airbag
system
When the ignition, refer to page 58, is switched
on, the warning lamp comes on briefly to indi‐
cate that the entire airbag system and the belt
tensioners are operational.
Airbag system malfunction
▷The warning lamp does not light up when
the ignition is switched on.▷Warning light remains permanently on.
Have the airbag system checked without
delay if there is a malfunction
In the event of a malfunction in the airbag sys‐
tem, have it checked without delay; otherwise,
there is the risk that the system will not func‐
tion as intended even if a sufficiently severe
accident occurs.◀
Flat Tire Monitor FTM The conceptThe system detects a pressure loss in a tire on
the basis of speed differences between the in‐
dividual wheels during a trip.
In the event of pressure loss, the rolling cir‐
cumference changes and, thus, the rotating
speed of the affected wheel. This change is
detected and is reported as a flat tire.
Functional requirements
The system must have been initialized when
the tire inflation pressure was correct; other‐
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wise, reliable signaling of a flat tire is not en‐
sured. Initialize the system after each correc‐
tion of the tire inflation pressure and after
every tire or wheel change.
System limits Sudden tire damage
Sudden serious tire damage caused by
external influences cannot be indicated in ad‐
vance.◀
A natural, even pressure loss in all four tires
cannot be detected.
The system could be delayed or malfunction in
the following situations:▷When the system has not been initialized.▷When driving on a snowy or slippery road
surface.▷Sporty driving style: slip in the drive
wheels, high lateral acceleration.▷When driving with snow chains.
Status display
The current status of the Flat Tire Monitor can
be displayed on the Control Display, e.g.,
whether or not the FTM is active.
1."Vehicle Info"2."Vehicle status"3. "Flat Tire Monitor"
The status is displayed.
Initialization
The initialization process adopts the set infla‐
tion tire pressures as reference values for the
detection of a flat tire. Initialization is started by
confirming the inflation pressures.
Do not initialize the system when driving with
snow chains.
1."Vehicle Info"2."Vehicle status"3. "Reset"4.Start the engine - do not drive away.5.Start the initialization with "Reset".6.Drive away.
The initialization is completed while driving,
which can be interrupted at any time.
The initialization automatically continues when
driving resumes.
Indication of a flat tire The warning lights come on in yellowand red. A message appears on the
Control Display. In addition, a signal
sounds.
There is a flat tire or a major loss in tire inflation
pressure.
1.Reduce your speed and stop cautiously.
Avoid sudden braking and steering maneu‐
vers.2.Check whether the vehicle is fitted with
regular tires or run-flat tires.
Run-flat tires, refer to page 234, are la‐
beled with a circular symbol containing the
letters RSC marked on the tire sidewall.
Do not continue driving without run-flat
tires
Do not continue driving if the vehicle is not
equipped with run-flat tires; continued driving
may result in serious accidents.◀
When a flat tire is indicated, DSC Dynamic Sta‐
bility Control is switched on if necessary.
Actions in the event of a flat tire Normal tires
1.Identify the damaged tire.
Do this by checking the air pressure in all
four tires.
If the tire inflation pressure in all four tires
is correct, the Flat Tire Monitor may not
have been initialized. In this case, initialize
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If an identification is not possible, please
contact the service center.2.Rectify the flat tire.
Run-flat tires
You can continue driving with a damaged tire
at speeds up to 50 mph/80 km/h.
Continued driving with a flat tire
If continuing to drive with a damaged tire:
1.Avoid sudden braking and steering maneu‐
vers.2.Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.3.Check the air pressure in all four tires at
the next opportunity.
If the tire inflation pressure in all four tires
is correct, the Flat Tire Monitor may not
have been initialized. In this case, initialize
the system.
Possible driving distance with complete loss of
tire inflation pressure:
The possible driving distance after a loss of tire
inflation pressure depends on the cargo load
and the driving style and conditions.
For a vehicle containing an average load, the
possible driving distance is approx.
50 miles/80 km.
When the vehicle is driven with a damaged tire,
its handling characteristics change, e.g., re‐
duced lane stability during braking, a longer
braking distance, and altered self-steering
properties. Adjust your driving style accord‐
ingly. Avoid abrupt steering maneuvers or driv‐
ing over obstacles, e. g., curbs, potholes, etc.
Because the possible driving distance de‐
pends on how the vehicle is used during the
trip, the actual distance may be smaller or
greater depending on the driving speed, road
conditions, external temperature, cargo load,
etc.
Continued driving with a flat tire
Drive moderately and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
A loss of tire inflation pressure results in a
change in the handling characteristics, e.g., re‐
duced lane stability during braking, a longer
braking distance and altered self-steering
properties.◀
Final tire failure
Vibrations or loud noises while driving
can indicate the final failure of the tire. Reduce
speed and stop; otherwise, pieces of the tire
could come loose and cause an accident. Do
not continue driving, and contact your service
center.◀
Tire Pressure Monitor TPMThe concept
The system monitors the tire pressure in the four mounted tires. The system issues a warn‐
ing if there is a significant loss of pressure in
one or more tires. Sensors in the tire valves
measure the tire pressure.
Notes Tire damage caused by external influen‐
ces
Sudden tire damage caused by external influ‐
ences cannot be indicated in advance.◀
To operate the system, also note the additional
information and instructions contained under
Tire inflation pressure, refer to page 228.
Functional requirement The system must have been reset while the in‐
flation pressure was correct; otherwise, reliable
signaling of pressure loss is not ensured.
Reset the system after adjusting the tire infla‐
tion pressure and after changing a tire or
wheel.Seite 96ControlsSafety96
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Low tire pressure messageThe warning lights come on in yellow
and red. A message appears on the
Control Display. In addition, a signal
sounds.▷There is a flat tire or a major loss in tire in‐
flation pressure.▷The system was not reset. The system
therefore issues warnings in case of devia‐
tions from the tire inflation pressures
stored last.1.Reduce your speed and stop cautiously.
Avoid sudden braking and steering maneu‐
vers.2.Check whether the vehicle is fitted with
regular tires or run-flat tires.
Run-flat tires, refer to page 98, are la‐
beled with a circular symbol containing the
letters RSC marked on the tire sidewall.
Do not continue driving without run-flat
tires
Do not continue driving if the vehicle is not
equipped with run-flat tires; continued driving
may result in serious accidents.◀
When a flat tire is indicated, DSC Dynamic Sta‐
bility Control is switched on if necessary.
Actions in the event of a flat tire Normal tires
1.Identify the damaged tire.
Do this by checking the air pressure in all
four tires.
If the tire inflation pressure in all four tires
is correct, the Tire Pressure Monitor may
not have been reset. Reset the system.
If an identification is not possible, please
contact the service center.2.Rectify the flat tire.
The use of tire sealant can damage the
TPM electronics. In this case, have theelectronics checked at the next opportu‐
nity and have them replaced if necessary.
Run-flat tires
You can continue driving with a damaged tire
at speeds up to 50 mph/80 km/h.
Continued driving with a flat tire If continuing to drive with a damaged tire:
1.Avoid sudden braking and steering maneu‐
vers.2.Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.3.Check the air pressure in all four tires at
the next opportunity.
If the tire inflation pressure in all four tires
is correct, the Tire Pressure Monitor may
not have been reset. Reset the system.
Possible driving distance with complete loss of
tire inflation pressure:
The possible driving distance after a loss of tire
inflation pressure depends on the cargo load
and the driving style and conditions.
For a vehicle containing an average load, the
possible driving distance is approx.
50 miles/80 km.
When the vehicle is driven with a damaged tire,
its handling characteristics change, e.g., re‐
duced lane stability during braking, a longer
braking distance, and altered self-steering
properties. Adjust your driving style accord‐
ingly. Avoid abrupt steering maneuvers or driv‐
ing over obstacles, e. g., curbs, potholes, etc.
Because the possible driving distance de‐
pends on how the vehicle is used during the
trip, the actual distance may be smaller or
greater depending on the driving speed, road
conditions, external temperature, cargo load,
etc.
Continued driving with a flat tire
Drive moderately and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
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A loss of tire inflation pressure results in a
change in the handling characteristics, e.g., re‐
duced lane stability during braking, a longer
braking distance and altered self-steering
properties.◀
Final tire failure
Vibrations or loud noises while driving
can indicate the final failure of the tire. Reduce
speed and stop; otherwise, pieces of the tire
could come loose and cause an accident. Do
not continue driving, and contact your service
center.◀
Message when not reset The warning light lights up yellow. A
Check Control message is displayed.
The system may not have been reset
although a wheel was changed.
Check the tire inflation pressure and reset the
system, refer to page 97.
System limits
The system does not function properly if it has
not been reset, e.g., it may identify a tire as flat
in spite of the fact that the tire is filled to the
correct inflation pressure.
The tire pressure depends on the temperature
of the tire. An increase in the tire temperature,
e.g., while driving or due to sunlight, increases
the tire inflation pressure. The tire pressure
decreases when the tire temperature drops. In
case of severe temperature drops, this behav‐
ior may lead to a warning on account of the de‐
fined warning limits.
Malfunction The small warning light flashes in yel‐
low and then lights up continuously;
the larger warning light comes on in
yellow. On the Control Display, the
tires are shown in gray and a message ap‐
pears. No flat tire can be detected.Display in the following situations:▷A wheel without TPM electronics is fitted:
have the service center check it if neces‐
sary.▷Malfunction: have the system checked by
your service center.▷TPM could not be fully reset. Reset the
system again.
The small warning light flashes in yel‐
low and then lights up continuously;
the larger warning light comes on in
yellow. The tires are displayed in gray
on the Control Display. No flat tire can be de‐
tected.
Display in the following situations:
▷Disturbance by systems or devices with
the same radio frequency. After leaving the
area of the disturbance, the system auto‐
matically becomes active again.
Declaration according to NHTSA/
FMVSS 138 Tire Pressure Monitoring
Systems
Each tire, including the spare (if provided)
should be checked monthly when cold and in‐
flated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label (If your
vehicle has tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label, you should determine the
proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.).
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pres‐
sure telltale when one or more of your tires is
significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when
the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pres‐
sure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated
tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel ef‐
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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.
When using the features and systems descri‐
bed here, adhere to local regulations.
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 102.
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 101Driving stability control systemsControls101
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