2015 BMW Z4 DSC

Indicator/warning lightsInstrument cluster
The indicator and warning lights can light up in
a variety of combinations and colors.
Several of the lights are checked for proper
functioning when the engine is started or the
ignition is switched on, and light up briefly.
Text messages Text messages at the upper edge of the Con‐
trol Display explain the meaning of the dis‐
played indicator and warning lamps.
You can call up additional information, e.g., on
the cause of a malfunction and on how to re‐
spond, via Check Control, refer to page 84.
In urgent cases, this information will be shown
as soon as the corresponding light comes on.
Indicator lights without text messages
The following indicator lamps notify you that
certain functions are active:SymbolFunction or systemTurn signalHigh-beams/headlight flasherLamp flashes:
DSC or DTC is regulating the pro‐
pulsive forces in order to maintain
driving stabilityParking brake setCanada: the parking brake is setEngine malfunction with adverse ef‐
fect on exhaust emissionsCanada: engine malfunction with
adverse effect on exhaust emis‐
sionsSeite 17CockpitAt a glance17
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Press button P.Sport program DS and M/S manual
mode
Activating the Sport program DS
Push the selector lever to the left out of trans‐
mission position D.
The Sport program is activated and DS is dis‐
played in the instrument cluster.
This position is recommended for a perform‐
ance-oriented driving style.
Activating the M/S manual mode
1.Push the selector lever to the left out of
transmission position D.2.Push the selector lever forward or back‐
ward.
Manual mode becomes active and the gear is
changed.
The engaged gear is displayed in the instru‐
ment cluster, e.g., M1.
When the maximum engine speed is reached,
the transmission automatically shifts up when
in M/S manual mode.
Shifting in manual mode▷To shift down: press the selector lever for‐
ward.▷To shift up: press the selector lever back‐
ward.
The gears are only shifted at a suitable engine
and vehicle speed, e.g. a downshift is not car‐
ried out at excessively high engine speeds.
The selected gear is briefly displayed in the in‐
strument cluster, followed by the current gear.
Avoid automatic upshifting in M/S manual
mode
Gears are not shifted automatically, for in‐
stance at maximum engine speed, if one of the
following conditions is met:
▷DSC is deactivated.▷TRACTION is activated.▷SPORT+ is activated.
Dynamic Driving Control, refer to page 102.
In addition, kickdown is disabled.
Ending the Sport program/manual
mode
Push the selector lever to the right.
D is displayed in the instrument cluster.
Shifting gears using the shift paddles
on the steering wheel
The shifting paddles make it possible to
quickly change gears since both hands can re‐
main on the steering wheel.
▷If the shift paddles on the steering wheel
are used to shift gears while in automatic
mode D, the transmission temporarily
switches to manual mode.Seite 67DrivingControls67
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▷Shift up: pull right shift paddle.▷Shift down: pull left shift paddle.
Gears can be shifted using the shift paddles in
Drive mode or in manual mode.
Gear change in manual mode
When manual mode is active, refer to page 70,
gears can be changed using the shift paddles
or the selector lever.
Gear change in Drive mode The shift paddles can be used to change gears
in Drive mode as well.
Afterwards, if the shift paddles are not used for
some time and vehicle acceleration is insuffi‐
cient, the forward gears are changed again au‐ tomatically.
Launch Control
Launch Control enables you to drive off with an
optimal vehicle acceleration on a high grip road
surface.
Do not use Launch Control too often
Do not use Launch Control too often, as
the higher loads on the vehicle lead to prema‐
ture component wear.◀
Launch Control is available when the engine is
at operating temperature, i.e., after driving con‐
tinuously for at least 6 miles/10 km.
1.With the engine running, depress the brake
pedal with your left foot.2.Activate the SPORT+ program of the Dy‐
namic Driving Control, refer to page 102.3.With the vehicle stationary, activate manual
mode and select first gear.4.Press the accelerator all the way down.
The engine speed when driving off is con‐
trolled. A flag symbol appears in the instru‐
ment cluster.5.The vehicle accelerates when you release
the brake pedal. Keep the accelerator
pressed all the way down.6.The transmission shifts up automatically as
long as the accelerator is pressed all the
way down.
Launch Control only becomes available again
after a certain distance has been driven.
Launch Control can only be used after the
break-in phase, refer to page 130.
To maintain driving stability, activate DSC
whenever possible.
Manually releasing and engaging the
transmission lock
If a power failure occurs, e.g., if the battery is
discharged or disconnected, the transmission
lock must be released manually, otherwise the
rear wheels are blocked and the vehicle cannot
be towed.
Release the transmission lock manually for
towing only and set the parking brake before‐
hand to prevent the vehicle from rolling. After
parking the vehicle, engage the transmission
lock again manually, refer to page 72.
Manual release
1.Unclip the sleeve of the selector lever.2.Pull the sleeve up over the selector lever
until the sleeve is inside out.3.Unclip and raise cover frame.Seite 71DrivingControls71
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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
the system.Seite 95SafetyControls95
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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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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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Dynamic Traction Control
DTC
The concept The DTC system and the TRACTION program
are a variant of the DSC in which forward mo‐
mentum is optimized.
The system ensures maximum forward mo‐
mentum on special road conditions, e.g., unp‐
lowed snowy roads, but driving stability is lim‐
ited.
It is therefore necessary to drive with appropri‐
ate caution.
You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC
under 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 Dynamic
Traction Control DTC
The system and program can be deactivated/
activated via Dynamic Driving Control, refer to
page 103.
Dynamic Driving Control The concept
Dynamic Driving Control can be used to adjust
the driving dynamics of the vehicle. Several
programs are available for this purpose; one
program can be activated at a time using the
Dynamic Driving Control buttons.
Operating the programsPress the buttonProgramDSC OFF
TRACTIONSPORT+
SPORT
COMFORT
DSC OFF
Driving stability is limited during acceleration
and when driving in bends.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC
again as soon as possible.
Deactivating DSC: DSC OFF Press the button for no longer than
approx. 10 seconds until the indicator
lamp for DSC OFF lights up in the instrument
cluster and DSC OFF appears in the instru‐
ment cluster.
The DSC system is switched off.
Seite 102ControlsDriving stability control systems102
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Activating DSCPress the button.
DSC OFF and the DSC OFF indicator
lamp go out.
Indicator/warning lamps
When DSC is deactivated, DSC OFF is dis‐
played in the instrument cluster.
The DSC OFF indicator lamp lights up:
DSC is deactivated.
TRACTION Maximum traction on loose road surfaces. Dy‐
namic Traction Control DTC is switched on.
Driving stability is limited during acceleration
and when driving in bends.
Activating TRACTION Press the button.
TRACTION is displayed in the instru‐
ment cluster.
The DSC OFF indicator lamp lights up in the
instrument cluster.
Deactivating TRACTION Press the button again.
TRACTION and the DSC OFF indica‐
tor lamp go out.
Indicator/warning lamps
When DTC is activated, TRACTION is dis‐
played in the instrument cluster.
The DSC OFF indicator lamp lights up:
Dynamic Traction Control DTC is acti‐
vated.SPORT+
Sporty driving with optimized chassis and sus‐
pension during limited driving stabilization.
Dynamic Traction Control is switched on.
The driver handles several of the stabilization
tasks.
Activating SPORT+ Press the button repeatedly until
SPORT+
is selected in the in‐
strument cluster and the DSC OFF indicator
lamp is displayed.
Indicator/warning lamps SPORT+ is displayed in the instrument cluster.
The DSC OFF indicator lamp lights up:
Dynamic Traction Control DTC is acti‐
vated.
SPORT Consistently sporty tuning of the suspension
for greater driving agility with maximum driving
stabilization.
Activating SPORT Press the button repeatedly until
SPORT is selected in the instrument
cluster.
COMFORT For a balanced tuning with maximum driving
stabilization.
Seite 103Driving stability control systemsControls103
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