traction control BMW 323I SEDAN 2007 E90 Owner's Manual

At a glance
15Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
1Microphone for voice command system*
and for telephone in hands-free mode*
2SOS: initiating an Emergency Request
call
*229
3Reading lamps100
4Glass roof/panorama glass roof
*41
5Interior lamps100
6Passenger airbag status lamp
*96
7Control Display16
8Hazard warning flashers
9DTC Dynamic Traction Control88
10Central locking system32
11Automatic climate control
12Ejecting
>Audio CD156
>Navigation DVD13013Changing
>Radio station160
>Track167
15Controller16
Can be turned, pressed, or moved horizon-
tally in four directions
16Activating voice command system
*22
17Opening start menu on Control Display17
18Drive for navigation DVD130
19Switching audio sources on/off and adjust-
ing volume156
20Drive for audio CDs156 Air distribution to the
windshield102
Air distribution to the upper body
area102
Air distribution to the footwell102
Automatic air distribution and flow
rate103
Cooling function104
AUC Automatic recirculated-air
control103
Recirculated-air mode103
Maximum cooling103
Residual heat mode104
Air flow rate103
Defrosting windows104
Rear window defroster104
14
Heated seats*48
PDC Park Distance Control
*86
Sedan:
Roller sun blind
*110
Hill Descent Control HDC
*88

Driving
68 Use good judgment to select the appro-
priate following distance given road con-
ditions, traffic, applicable laws and driving rec-
ommendations for safe following distance.
Otherwise, an accident risk could result.<
Deactivating cruise control
Press the lever upward or downward, arrow3.
The displays in the speedometer disappear.
In addition, the system is automatically deacti-
vated:
>When you brake the vehicle
>When the speed is reduced to below
20 mph or 30 km/h due to a traffic situation
>When you switch gears very slowly or shift
to idle in cars with manual transmission
>When you select the automatic transmis-
sion's neutral position N
>When you activate the Dynamic Traction
Control DTC
>When you deactivate the Dynamic Stability
Control DSC
>When DSC or ABS is intervening
>When the system does not recognize any
objects for a longer period of time, e.g. on
infrequently traveled roads without a shoul-
der or guard rails, or if the radar sensor is
covered with dirt, refer to page69
>When you apply the parking brake
When the system is deactivated, you
must brake the vehicle yourself and/or
maneuver as necessary, otherwise there is a
risk of accident.<
Warning lamp
The warning lamp comes on when
active cruise control has been auto-
matically deactivated due to a driving
speed below 20 mph or 30 km/h, an application
of the parking brake or a DSC intervention. A
message appears on the Control Display.
Resuming stored desired speed and
distance
Briefly press the button, arrow 4.
The stored speed and distance are regained
and maintained.
In the following instances, the stored speed is
deleted and can no longer be resumed:
>When driving stability control systems are
intervening
>In cars with ma nua l trans mis sio n: when you
shift gears very slowly or shift to idle posi-
tion
>In cars with automatic transmission: when
you engage selector lever position N
>When the ignition is switched off
Displays in the instrument cluster
1Stored desired speed
2Shows yellow: vehicle detected ahead
Flashes in red: system cannot maintain dis-
tance; driver must brake the vehicle
Flashes in yellow: driving stability control
systems are intervening; cruise control is
deactivated
3Selected distance to vehicle ahead
The indicator lights up as soon as the sys-
tem is activated.

Controls
87Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
until "PDC" is selected and press the con-
troller.
6.Select "PDC display on" and press the con-
troller.
The PDC screen is activated.
The display is shown on the Control Display as
soon as PDC is activated.
System limitations
Even with PDC, final responsibility for
estimating the distance between the
vehicle and any obstructions always remains
with the driver. Even when sensors are pro-
vided, there is a blind spot in which objects can
no longer be detected. The system is also sub-
ject to the physical limits that apply to all forms
of ultrasonic measurement, such as those
encountered with trailer towbars and couplings,
thin and wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low
objects already indicated, such as a curb, may
enter the sensors' dead areas before a continu-
ous audible signal is given. Higher, protruding
objects, such as wall ledges, may not be detect-
able. Loud sound sources outside or inside the
car can drown out the PDC signal.<
Driving stability control
systems
Your BMW has a number of systems that help
to maintain the vehicle's stability even in
adverse driving conditions.
ABS Antilock Brake System
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 page123.
Electronic brake-force distribution
The system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
DBC Dynamic Brake Control
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.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control
DSC prevents the driving wheels from losing
traction when you pull away from rest or accel-
erate. DSC 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 individual
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
safety margin again by taking risks.<

Technology for driving comfort and safety
88
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.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Press the button again; the indicator lamps in
the instrument cluster go out.
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes:
DSC controls the drive forces and
brake forces.
If the indicator lamps are on:
DSC is deactivated.
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
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:
>When driving uphill on snow-covered roads,
in slush or on unplowed, snow-covered
roads
>When rocking a stuck vehicle free or start-
ing off in deep snow or on loose ground>When driving with snow chains
Activating DTC
Press the button; the indicator lamps for DTC in
the instrument cluster come on.
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes:
DTC controls the drive forces and
brake forces.
If the indicator lamps are on:
DTC has been activated.
Deactivating DTC
Press the button again; the DTC indicator
lamps in the instrument cluster go out.
xDrive
xDrive is your BMW's four-wheel-drive system.
The combined efforts of xDrive and DSC help to
further optimize traction and driving dynamics.
The xDrive four-wheel-drive system distributes
driving power variably to the front and rear axles
depending on the driving situation and road
conditions.
Hill Descent Control
HDC is a downhill driving assistant that reduces
your speed on steep downhill gradients and
makes it even easier to control your BMW's
handling under these conditions. The vehicle
then moves slightly faster than double walking
speed without the driver needing to intervene.
HDC can be activated as long as you are driving
under approx. 20 mph or 35 km/h. When driving
downhill at a speed of under approx. 20 mph or

Wheels and tires
210
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 Transport.
DOT code:
Tire age
The manufacturing date of tires is contained in
the tire coding: DOT … 3006 means that the
tire was manufactured in week 30 of 2006.
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.< 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 tires
225/45 R1791 V
e.g.
Manufacturer's code
for tire make
Tire size and
tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 0705

Mobility
213Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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 use in cold
winter driving conditions. Although all-season
M+S tires provide better winter traction than
summer tires, they generally 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
Always 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 pressure indicated on the sidewall
of the tire.
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 manufac-
turer's instructions when mounting snow
chains. Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph or
50 km/h.
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
page88.<

Reference 251
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Distance control, refer to
Active cruise control66
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements77
"Distance to dest."75
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control86
Door key, refer to Remote
control with integrated
key28
Door lock31
"Door locks"29,31,32,78
Doors, emergency
operation31
DOT Quality Grades210
Draft-free ventilation104
Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders111
Drive-off assistance, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC87
Drive-off assistant89
Driving around a traffic
jam150
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams97
Driving notes122
Driving off on hills, refer to
Drive-off assistant89
Driving route, refer to
Displaying route144
Driving stability control
systems87
Driving through water123
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes122
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function104
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control87
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control88
– indicator/warning lamp88
DVD for navigation130
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC87"Dynamic route" in
navigation142
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC
– indicator/warning lamp88
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC
– indicator/warning lamp88
E
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution87
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on the CD player156
Electric
– seat adjustment45
Electrical malfunction
– door lock31
– driver's door31
– fuel filler door200
– glass sunroof40
– luggage compartment lid/
tailgate33
– panorama glass roof42
Electric seat adjustment45
Electric steering wheel
lock57
– with convenient access37
Electronic brake-force
distribution EBV87
Electronic oil level check215
Emergency actuation,
automatic transmission,
refer to Overriding selector
lever lock61
Emergency call229
Emergency operation
– fuel filler door, manual
release200
Emergency operation, refer to
Closing manually
– glass sunroof40
– panorama glass roof42
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock31Emergency release
– luggage compartment lid
from inside34
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance229
Emissions test, refer to
Service requirements77
"Enable services"196
"End call"182
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control73
Energy Control73
Engine
– breaking in122
– data236
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature73
– speed236
– starting58
– starting, convenient
access36
– switching off58
Engine compartment215
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant217
Engine oil
– adding217
– BMW Maintenance
System219
– capacity
241
– checking level215
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements77
"Engine oil level"216
Engine output, refer to Engine
data236
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data236
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine58
"Enter address"132
Entering a destination
country132
Entering a house number or
intersection133
Entering a street133
Entering destination132
Entering the address134

Everything from A - Z
262 Towing231
– car with automatic
transmission231
– methods232
Towing and tow-starting231
Town/city for destination132
"Town / City" in destination
entry132
Tow rope232
Tow-starting231,233
"TPM"92
TPM, refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor91
Tracks
– random play sequence169
– sampling, Scan168
– searching for168
Track width, refer to
Dimensions237
Traction control, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control87
"Traffic Info"148
Traffic information for
navigation
– calling up148
– display on the route map149
– during destination
guidance149
– switching on/off147
Traffic information message
list148
Traffic jam
– displaying traffic
information147
– driving around150
Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic59
– manual transmission59
– overriding selector lever lock
for automatic transmission
with Steptronic61
Transmission interlock
– refer to Changing selector
lever position60
– refer to P Park60
Transporting children
safely53Transport securing device,
refer to Securing cargo125
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tire tread211
Treble, refer to Tone
control157
Treble, refer to Treble and
bass157
Treble, tone control157
"Trip computer"75
Trip computer75
Trip-distance counter, refer to
Trip odometer72
"Triple turn signal"
62
Triple turn signal activation62
Trip odometer72
Trunk, refer to Cargo bay114
Trunk lid, refer to Luggage
compartment lid/tailgate32
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions237
Turn signal indicators61
– indicator/warning lamp12
– replacing bulbs224
– triple turn signal62
Tying down loads, refer to
Cargo loading125
U
Underbody protection, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Uniform Tire Quality Grading/
UTQR210
"Units"77
Units
– average consumption77
– temperature77
Universal garage door opener,
refer to Integrated universal
remote control107
Universal mobile phone
preparation package, refer
to separate Owner's Manual
Universal remote control107
Unlatching, refer to
Unlocking36
"Unlock button"30Unlocking
– from inside32
– from outside29
– luggage compartment lid37
– tailgate37
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access36
"Update services"194
V
Vehicle
– battery227
– breaking in122
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– cargo loading124
– Identification Number, refer
to Engine compartment215
– measurements, refer to
Dimensions237
– parking58
– washing, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
– weight239
"Vehicle / Tires" for
unlocking29
Vehicle jack227
Vehicle position, refer to
Displaying current
position150
Ventilation104
– draft-free104
– in the rear105
Ventilation, refer to
Climate101
Ventilation while at a
standstill105
Vents, refer to Ventilation104
"Vent settings"102
Voice commands
– overview22
– short commands242
Voice instructions for
navigation system146
– muting52,146
– repeating52,146
– switching on/off146
– volume147