traction control BMW 128I 2009 E88 Owner's Manual

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility Reference
15
1Coupe: microphone for telephone* in
hands-free mode
Convertible: microphone on steering col-
umn
2Reading lamps
*78
3Coupe: glass roof, electric
*29
4Interior lamps77
5Passenger airbag status lamp72
6Dynamic Traction Control DTC65
7Hazard warning flashers
8Central locking system22
9Radio, refer to separate Owner's Manual
10Heating and ventilation, air conditioner
* or
automatic climate control
*
Air distribution for heating80
Air distribution to the
windshield
*82
Air distribution to the upper body
area
*82
Air distribution to the footwell
*82
Automatic air distribution and flow
rate
*83
Cooling function
*84
Automatic recirculated-air control
AUC
*83
Recirculated-air mode80,83
Maximum cooling
*82
Residual heat mode
*83
Air flow rate80,83
Defrosting windows
*84
Rear window defroster84
11
Heated seats*39
Convertible: opening the convert-
ible top31
Convertible: closing the convertible
top31

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
65
Antilock Brake System ABS
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during
braking. Safe steering response is maintained
even during full braking. Active safety is thus
increased.
The ABS is operational every time you start the
engine. Braking safely, refer to page98.
Electronic brake-force distribution
EBV
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 and thus helps to achieve the short-
est possible braking distance during full brak-
ing. This system exploits all of the benefits pro-
vided by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake for the
duration of the full braking application.
Dynamic Stability Control DSC
DSC prevents the driving wheels from losing
traction when you pull away from rest or accel-
erate. The system also recognizes unstable
driving conditions, for example if the rear of the
car is about to swerve or if momentum is acting
at an angle past the front wheels. In these
cases, DSC helps the vehicle maintain a safe
course within physical limits by reducing engine
output and through braking actions at the indi-
vidual wheels.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with DSC. An appropriate driving
style always remains the responsibility of the
driver. Therefore, do not reduce the additional
s a f e t y m a r g i n a g a i n b y t a k i n g r i s k s , a s t h i s c o u l d
result in an accident.<
Deactivating DSC
Press the button for at least 3 seconds; the indi-
cator lamps for DSC in the instrument cluster
light up. Dynamic Traction Control DTC and
DSC have been simultaneously deactivated.
Stabilizing and drive-output promoting actions
are no longer executed.
In the same way as with a differential interlock,
even if DSC is deactivated, brake actions are
still performed on the rear axle to enhance drive
output if the drive wheels experience a signifi-
cant loss of traction.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Press the button again; the indicator lamps for
DSC in the instrument cluster go out.
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes:
DSC is regulating the drive and braking
forces.
If the indicator lamps are on:
DSC is deactivated.
Dynamic Traction Control DTC
DTC is a version of DSC in which the drive out-
put is optimized for particular road conditions,
e.g. unplowed snow-covered roads. The sys-
tem assures the maximal drive output, but with
reduced driving stability. It is therefore neces-
sary to drive with appropriate caution.
You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC
under the following special circumstances:

Wheels and tires
110
Tire identification marks
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire
makes it easier to identify and choose the right
tires.
Tire size
Speed code letter
Q = up to 100 mph or 160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph or 190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph or 210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph or 240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph or 270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph or 300 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of
the US Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Tire age
The manufacturing date of tires is contained in
the tire coding: DOT … 3408 means that the
tire was manufactured in week 34 of 2008.
BMW recommends that you replace all tires
after 6 years at most, even if some tires may last
for 10 years.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Tread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform to
Federal Safety Requirements in addition
to these grades.<
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1γ) times as
well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, how-
ever, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteris-
tics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop
on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration, cor-
nering, hydroplaning, or peak traction charac-
teristics.<
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
e.g.
Nominal width in mm
Aspect ratio in Ξ
Radial belt construction
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating,
not on ZR tires
Speed code letter, in
front of the R on ZR tires225/45 R1791 V
e.g.
Manufacturer's
code for tire make
Tire size and
tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 3408

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
113
Recommended tire brands
Certain makes of tire are recommended by
BMW for each tire size. They are marked with a
clearly visible BMW designation on the sidewall
of the tire.
When properly used, these tires meet the high-
est standards in terms of safety and handling
characteristics.
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for winter roads
or at temperatures below +457/+ 76.
Although all-season M+S tires provide better
winter traction than summer tires, they gener-
ally fail to provide the same levels of cold-
weather performance as winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always comply with the speed limit for the
winter tires mounted on your car; failure
to do so could result in tire damage and acci-
dents.<
If the car is capable of speeds higher than that
permitted for the winter tires, a label stating the
maximum permitted speed for the mounted
tires must be displayed in your field of view.
Specialist tire dealers and your BMW center
can supply these labels.
Storage
Store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place with
as little exposure to light as possible. Always
protect tires against all contact with oil, grease
and fuels.
Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation pres-
sure indicated on the sidewall of the tire.
Swapping wheels between axles
BMW advises against swapping wheels
between the front and rear axles, even if all tires
have the same size, as this could impair driving
characteristics. If the tires are of mixed sizes,
swapping wheels between the axles is not per-
missible.
Snow chains*
Only certain fine-link snow chains have been
tested by BMW, classified as safe for use and
recommended. Consult your BMW center for
more information. Snow chains must be
mounted in pairs and on the rear wheels only.
Observe the manufacturer's instructions when
mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed
of 30 mph/50 km/h with chains.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor if
snow chains are mounted, otherwise the
instrument might issue an incorrect reading.
When driving with snow chains, you may find it
helpful to activate DTC temporarily, refer to
page65.<

Indicator and warning lamps
138Indication in US models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too low Reduced braking effect, stop the car
carefully. Contact your BMW center.
Lights up in yellow:
Drive-off assistant has failed. The car
will not be held in place after the brake
is releasedHave the system checked as soon as
possible.
Indication in Canadian models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too low Reduced braking effect, stop the car
carefully. Contact your BMW center.
Lights up in yellow:
Drive-off assistant has failed. The car
will not be held in place after the brake
is releasedHave the system checked as soon as
possible.
Indication in US models:
Brake pads wornHave the condition of the brake pads
checked without delay.
Indication in Canadian models:
Brake pads wornHave the condition of the brake pads
checked without delay.
Lights up in red: Have the system in question checked
without delay.
>Starter failed or The engine cannot be restarted.
>ignition malfunctioning. Engine
restart only possible when brake is
depressed or
>lighting system failed. Low beams/
tail lamps and brake lamps still oper-
ational. All other lamps failedDepress the brake to restart the engine.
Lights up in yellow:
>Control of the brake lamps failed or
>fuel supply malfunctioning, or
>electrical system of trailer hitch
*
failedYou can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise due
caution. Have the system in question
checked without delay.
Flashing:
Dynamic Stability Control DSC or
Dynamic Traction Control DTC is con-
trolling drive and braking forces, refer
also to page65
12Cause Special actions to be taken

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
139
Dynamic Traction Control DTC acti-
vated, refer also to page65
Dynamic Stability Control DSC and
Dynamic Traction Control DTC deacti-
vated, refer also to page65Driving stability limited during acceler-
ation and cornering.
You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise due
caution.
Suspension control system failed, refer
also to page64Driving stability limited during acceler-
ation and cornering.
You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise due
caution. Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
Indication in US models:
The driving stability control systems,
including ABS and the Tire Pressure
Monitor, have failed, refer also to
page64Driving stability limited during acceler-
ation and cornering.
You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise due
caution. Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
Indication
* in Canadian models:
The driving stability control systems,
including ABS and the Flat Tire Monitor
or Tire Pressure Monitor
*, have failed,
refer also to page64Driving stability limited during acceler-
ation and cornering.
You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise due
caution. Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
Indication
* in Canadian models:
The driving stability control systems,
including ABS and the Flat Tire Monitor
or Tire Pressure Monitor
*, have failed,
refer also to page64Driving stability limited during acceler-
ation and cornering.
You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise due
caution. Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
Indication in US models:
Vehicle electronics failed You cannot continue your journey.
Contact your BMW center.
Indication
* in Canadian models:
Vehicle electronics failed You cannot continue your journey.
Contact your BMW center.
12Cause Special actions to be taken

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
155
Doors, emergency
operation22
DOT Quality Grades110
Draft-free ventilation81,84
Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders89
Drive-off assistance, refer to
DSC65
Drive-off assistant66
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams74
Driving notes96
Driving off on hills, refer to
Drive-off assistant66
Driving stability control
systems64
Driving through water98
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes96
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function84
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control65
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control65
– indicator lamps65
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC65
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC65
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC
– indicator lamps66
E
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution65
Electrical malfunction
– door lock22
– fuel filler door104
– glass roof30
Electronic brake-force
distribution EBV65
Electronic oil level check115
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC65Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock22
– fuel filler door104
– glass roof30
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission51
Emergency release, luggage
compartment lid24
Emergency Request130
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance130
Energy, saving
– saving fuel96
Engine
– breaking in96
– data146
– speed146
– starting48
– starting, convenient
access26
– switching off48
Engine compartment115
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant117
Engine oil
– adding116
– additives116
– BMW Maintenance
System118
– checking level115
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements61
– specified engine oils116
Engine output, refer to Engine
data146
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data146
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine48
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC65
Event data recorders119
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system97Exterior mirrors41
– adjusting41
– automatic dimming
feature43
– automatic heating42
– folding in and out42
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away132
– for tying down loads100
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control62
Failure of an electrical
consumer128
False alarm, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms25
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts41
Filter of automatic climate
control, refer to Microfilter/
activated charcoal filter84
Filter of heating or air
conditioner, refer to
Microfilter81
First aid pouch130
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock47
Flash when locking/
unlocking21
Flat tire
– Run-Flat Tires112
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM68
Flat Tire Monitor FTM66
– indicating a flat tire67
– initializing the system66
– malfunction67
– system limits66
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition111
Fog lamps77
– indicator lamp77,134
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely98
Footwell lamps77
For your own safety5

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
161
TPM, refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor68
Traction control, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC65
Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic49
– manual transmission49
Transporting children
safely44
Transport securing devices,
refer to Securing cargo100
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tire tread111
Trip-distance counter, refer to
Trip odometer56
Triple turn signal activation52
Trip odometer56
Trunk, refer to Cargo bay
Trunk lid, refer to Luggage
compartment lid23
Turn, indicating
– triple turn signal52
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions147
Turn signals51
– indicator lamp12
– replacing bulbs126
Tying down loads, refer to
Cargo loading100
U
Underbody protection, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
Uniform Tire Quality Grading/
UTQR110
Units of measure
– average fuel
consumption60
– temperature60
Universal garage door opener,
refer to Integrated universal
remote control85
Universal remote control85
Unlatching, refer to
Unlocking19Unlocking
– from inside23
– from outside19
– luggage compartment lid27
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access26
Unlocking without a key, refer
to Convenient access26
V
Vehicle
– battery128
– breaking in96
– cargo loading99
– decommissioning, refer to
Vehicle storage
– dimensions147
– Identification Number, refer
to Engine compartment115
– parking48
– weight149
Vehicle jack128
Vehicle storage123
Ventilation81,84
– draft-free81,84
Vents, refer to Air vents79
Vents, refer to
Ventilation81,84
Volume
– fuel tank, refer to
Capacities150
W
Warm
– steering wheel43
Warning and indicator
lamps13,134
Warning messages, refer to
Check Control62
Warning triangle131
Washer fluid53
– content of the reservoir53
Washer fluid filler neck53
Waste tray, refer to Ashtray90
Water on roads, refer to
Driving through water98
Water penetration120,121Wear indicators in tires, refer
to Minimum tread depth111
Weights149
Welcome lamps74
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions147
Wheels, new112
Wheels and tires106
Width, refer to
Dimensions147
Windows27
– convenient operation20
– convenient operation with
convenient access26
– opening, closing27
– pinch protection system28
Windows, defrosting and
removing
condensation81,84
Windshield
– cleaning53
– defrosting and removing
condensation81,84
Windshield wash
– filling capacity, reservoir150
Windshield washer reservoir,
refer to Washer fluid filler
neck53
Windshield washer system52
– washer fluid53
– washer nozzles53
Windshield wiper blades,
changing124
Windshield wipers, refer to
Wiper system52
Winter tires113
– storage113
Wiper blade replacement124
Wiper system52
Wrench/screwdriver, refer to
Onboard tool kit124
X
Xenon lamps
– replacing bulb124