BMW 550I XDRIVE GRAN TURISMO 2014 Owners Manual
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Integral Active SteeringThe concept
Integral Active Steering is a combination of Ac‐
tive Steering and rear axle steering.
Active Steering varies the steering angle of the
wheels in relation to the steering wheel move‐
ment as a function of the speed.
At speeds up to approx. 37 mph/60 km/h, e.g.,
in curves, the steering angle is increased, i.e.,
steering becomes more direct.
The rear axle steering acts to increase maneu‐
verability by turning the rear wheels slightly in
a direction opposite to the front wheels.
At higher speeds, the steering angle is increas‐
ingly reduced.
The rear wheels are turned to the same angle
as the front wheels.
In critical situations, Integral Active Steering
can specifically steer the front and rear wheels
to stabilize the vehicle before the driver inter‐
venes, e.g., when braking where road condi‐
tions differ on the left and right sides of the ve‐
hicle.
InitializingIn rare cases, it may become necessary to initi‐
alize the Integral Active Steering.
The warning lamp lights up. A Check
Control message is displayed.1.With the engine running, turn the steering
wheel all the way to the left and right sev‐
eral times in a uniform manner until the
warning lamp disappears.2.Have the system checked if the warning
lamp does not go out after moving the
steering wheel approx. 6 times or if the
steering wheel is at an angle.Using snow chains
Note When snow chains are in use, refer to
page 209, rear wheel steering is deactivated.
Programs The system offers several different programs.
The programs can be selected via the Driving
Dynamics Control, refer to page 132.
SPORT
Consistently sporty tuning of the Integral Ac‐
tive Steering for greater driving agility.
COMFORT Balanced tuning between the COMFORT+ and
SPORT programs.
COMFORT+
Consistently comfort-oriented tuning of the In‐
tegral Active Steering for optimal traveling
comfort.
Malfunction
In the event of a malfunction, the steering
wheel must be turned further, while the vehicle
responds more sensitively to steering wheel
movements in the higher speed range.
The stability-enhancing intervention may be
deactivated.
Proceed cautiously and drive defensively.
Have the system checked.
Self-leveling suspension The concept
The self-leveling suspension keeps the vehicle height and ground clearance constant. The
height of the vehicle at the rear axle is main‐
tained at a predefined level under all load con‐
ditions.Seite 131Driving stability control systemsControls131
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The system ensures consistent comfort by
keeping spring travel constant in all driving sit‐
uations.
Malfunction
A Check Control message is displayed. A mal‐ function has occurred in the self-leveling sus‐
pension. Vehicle handling may be altered and
driving comfort may be noticeably reduced.
Visit your nearest service center.
Driving Dynamics ControlThe concept
The Driving Dynamics Control can be used to
adjust the driving dynamics of the vehicle. For
this purpose various programs are available for
selection that are activated via the two buttons
of the Driving Dynamics Control and the DSC
OFF-button.
Operating the programsPress the buttonProgramDSC OFF
TRACTIONSPORT+
SPORT
COMFORT
COMFORT+
ECO PRO
Automatic program change
The system may automatically switch to COM‐
FORT in the following situations:
▷Failure of Integral Active Steering.▷Failure of Dynamic Damping Control.▷The vehicle has a flat tire.DSC OFF
Driving stability is limited during acceleration
and when driving in bends.
Stabilizing interventions by the Integral Active
Steering system are only performed by the
rear axle steering.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC
again as soon as possible.
Deactivating DSC: DSC OFF Press and hold the button, but not lon‐
ger than approx. 10 seconds, until the
indicator lamp for DSC OFF lights up in the in‐
strument cluster and DSC OFF is displayed in
the tachometer.
The DSC system is switched off.
Activating DSC Press the button.
DSC OFF and the DSC OFF indicator
lamp go out.
Indicator/warning lamps
When DSC OFF is activated, DSC OFF is dis‐
played in the tachometer.
The indicator lamp lights up: DSC OFF
is activated.
TRACTION Maximum traction on loose road surfaces. DTC
Dynamic Traction Control is switched on. Driv‐
ing stability is limited during acceleration and
when driving in bends.
Activating TRACTION Press the button.
TRACTION is displayed in the tach‐
ometer.
The DSC indicator lamp in the instrument clus‐
ter lights up.Seite 132ControlsDriving stability control systems132
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Deactivating TRACTIONPress the button again.
TRACTION and the DSC indicator
lamp go out.
Indicator/warning lamps When TRACTION is activated, TRACTION is
displayed in the tachometer.
The indicator lamp lights up: TRAC‐
TION is activated.
SPORT+ Sporty driving with optimized chassis and
adapted engine control with limited driving sta‐
bilization.
Dynamic Traction Control is switched on.
The driver handles several of the stabilization
tasks.
Activating SPORT+ Press the button repeatedly until
SPORT+ appears in the tachometer
and the DSC OFF indicator lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster.
Automatic program change When switching on the adjustable speed limit
or activating cruise control, the program auto‐
matically switches to SPORT mode.
Indicator/warning lamps
SPORT+ is displayed in the instrument cluster.
The DSC OFF indicator lamp lights up:
Dynamic Traction Control is activated.
SPORT Consistently sporty tuning of the suspension
and engine control for greater driving agility
with maximum driving stabilization.The program can be configured to individual
specifications.
The configuration is stored for the remote con‐
trol currently in use.
Activating SPORT Press the button repeatedly until
SPORT appears in the tachometer.
Configuring SPORT When the display is activated on the Control
Display, refer to page 134, the SPORT driving
mode can be set.
After the SPORT driving mode is activated, se‐
lect "Configure SPORT" on the displayed
panel and configure the program.
SPORT can also be configured before it is acti‐
vated:1."Settings"2."SPORT mode" or: "Driving mode"3.Configure driving mode.
This configuration is retrieved when the
SPORT driving mode is activated.
COMFORT For a balanced tuning with maximum driving
stabilization.
Activating COMFORT Press the button repeatedly until the
program display in the tachometer
goes out.
In certain situations, the system automatically
changes to the NORMAL program, automatic
program change, refer to page 132.
COMFORT+
Comfort-oriented tuning of the shock absorb‐ ers and adapted engine control for optimal
traveling comfort with maximum driving stabili‐
zation.
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Activating COMFORT+Press the button repeatedly until
COMFORT+ appears in the tachome‐
ter.
ECO PRO ECO PRO, refer to page 191, provides consis‐
tent tuning to minimize fuel consumption for
maximum range with maximum driving stabili‐
zation.
Comfort functions and the engine controller
are adjusted.
The program can be configured to individual
specifications.
Activating ECO PRO Press button repeatedly until ECO
PRO is displayed in the instrument
cluster.
Configuring ECO PRO1.Activate ECO PRO.2."Configure ECO PRO"
Make the desired settings.
Configure driving mode
Settings can be made for the following driving
modes in Driving mode:
▷SPORT mode, refer to page 133.▷ECO PRO mode, refer to page 191.
Displays in the instrument cluster
Selected program The selected program is dis‐
played in the tachometer.
Program selection
Pressing the button displays a
list of the selectable programs.
Display on the Control Display Program changes can be displayed briefly on
the Control Display.
To do so, make the following settings:1."Settings"2."Driving mode"3."Driving mode info"Seite 134ControlsDriving stability control systems134
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Driving comfortVehicle 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.
Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, ACC
The conceptThis system can be used to select a desired
speed that the vehicle will maintain automati‐
cally on clear roads.
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 system au‐
tomatically decelerates, applies the brakes
lightly, or accelerates again if the vehicle ahead
begins moving faster.
If the vehicle ahead of you brakes to a halt, the
system is able to detect this within the given
system limits. If the vehicle ahead of your
drives away again from a halt, your vehicle is
able to accelerate if operated accordingly.
Even if some time passes before the vehicle
drives away again, the BMW can still be accel‐
erated automatically and simply.
As soon as the road is clear, it accelerates to
the desired speed.
The speed is also maintained on downhill gra‐
dients, but may not be maintained on uphill
slopes if engine power is insufficient.General information
When ECO PRO is activated, cruise control is
also set to a driving style that saves on fuel
consumption.
Notes Personal responsibility
The system does not relieve the driver of
the responsibility to adapt his or her speed,
distance and driving style to the traffic condi‐
tions. Drive attentively, and react to the current
traffic events. Intervene actively when neces‐
sary, e.g., by braking, steering or making an
evasive maneuver, otherwise, there is danger
of an accident.◀
At a glance
Buttons on the steering wheelPress the
buttonFunctionCruise control on/off, interrupt‐
ing, refer to page 136Store/maintain speed, refer to
page 137Resume speed, refer to
page 138Reduce distance, refer to
page 138Increase distance, refer to
page 138Adjust distance, refer to
page 138Seite 135Driving comfortControls135
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Press the
buttonFunctionRocker switch:
Change/maintain speed, refer
to page 137Congestion Assistant ON/OFF,
Pause, refer to page 141
The arrangement of the buttons varies accord‐
ing to the how the vehicle is equipped or coun‐
try-specific variants.
Radar sensor
A radar sensor is located in the front bumper
for detecting vehicles on the road ahead of the
vehicle.
A dirty or covered sensor may hinder the de‐
tection of vehicles.
▷If necessary, clean the radar sensor. Re‐
move layers of snow and ice carefully.▷Do not cover the view field of the radar
sensor.Camera
The camera is located near the base of the
mirror.
Keep the windshield in the area behind the in‐
terior rearview mirror clean and clear.
Switching on/off and interrupting
cruise control
Switching on Press the button on the steering
wheel.
The indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
light up and the marking in the speedometer is
set to the current speed.
Cruise control can be used.
Switching off Deactivated or interrupted system
If the system is deactivated or inter‐
rupted, actively intervene by braking, steering
and, if necessary, with evasive maneuvers; oth‐
erwise, there is the danger of an accident oc‐
curring.◀
If switching off the system while stationary,
press on the brake pedal at the same time.
Press the button on the steering
wheel.
▷If active: press twice.▷If interrupted: press once.Seite 136ControlsDriving comfort136
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The displays go out. The stored desired speed
and distance are deleted.
Interrupting Press the button on the steering
wheel.
If interrupting the system while stationary,
press on the brake pedal at the same time.
The system is automatically interrupted in the
following situations:▷When the brakes are applied.▷When transmission position D is disen‐
gaged.▷When DTC Dynamic Traction Control is
activated or DSC is deactivated.▷When DSC is actively controlling stability.▷If the safety belt and the driver's door are
opened when the vehicle is standing still.▷If the system has not detected objects for
an extended period, e.g., on a road with
very little traffic without road edge line
markings.▷If the detection range of the radar is dis‐
rupted, for example, by dirt or heavy fog.
Maintaining/storing the 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.
It is displayed in the speedometer and briefly
displayed in the instrument cluster, Displays in
the instrument cluster, refer to page 139.
When cruise control is maintained or stored,
DSC Dynamic Stability Control is switched on,
if necessary.
Changing, maintaining, and storing
the speed
The rocker switch can be pressed while the
system is interrupted to maintain and store the
current speed. DSC Dynamic Stability Control
is switched on, if necessary.
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.◀
Speed differences
Large differences in speed relative to
other vehicles cannot be compensated by the
system for example in the following situations:▷When catching up rapidly with a truck.▷When another vehicle suddenly swerves
into the wrong lane.▷When stationary objects are approached at
speed.◀
Press the rocker switch up or down repeatedly
until the desired speed is set.
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If active, the displayed speed is stored and the
vehicle reaches the stored speed if the road is
clear.▷Each time the rocker switch is pressed to
the point of resistance, the desired speed
increases or decreases by approx.
1 mph/1 km/h.▷Each time the rocker switch is pressed
past the point of resistance, the desired
speed increases or decreases by a maxi‐
mum of 5 mph/10 km/h.
Hold the rocker switch in position to repeat the
action.
Distance Selecting a distance
Adjust the distance according to the traf‐
fic and weather conditions; otherwise, there is
the danger of an accident occurring. Maintain
the prescribed safety distance.◀
Reduce distance Press the button repeatedly until the
desired distance is set.
The selected distance, refer to page 139, is
displayed in the instrument cluster.
Increase distance Press the button repeatedly until the
desired distance is set.
The selected distance, refer to page 139, is
displayed in the instrument cluster.
Adjust distance Press the button repeatedly until the
desired distance is set.
Calling up the desired speed and
distance
While driving Press the button with the system
switched on.
In the following cases, the stored speed value
is deleted and cannot be called up again:▷When the system is switched off.▷When the ignition is switched off.
While standing
Before leaving the vehicle, secure it
against rolling
Before leaving the vehicle with the engine run‐
ning, engage position P of the automatic trans‐
mission and apply the parking brake. Other‐
wise, the vehicle may begin to roll.◀
The system brought the vehicle to a complete
standstill.
▷Green marking in the speedometer:
Your vehicle accelerates automatically as
soon as the vehicle in the range of the ra‐
dar sensor moves off.▷Marking in the speedometer turns orange:
no automatic driving away.
To accelerate to the desired speed auto‐
matically, press the accelerator briefly or
press the RES or SET button.
Rolling bars in the distance display indicate
that the vehicle in the radar sensor detection
range has moved off.
Your vehicle was braked to a halt by pressing
on the brake pedal and it is standing behind
another vehicle:
1. Press the button to call up a stored
desired speed.2.Release the brake pedal.Seite 138ControlsDriving comfort138
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3.Press on the accelerator briefly, or press
the RES button or the rocker switch when
the vehicle ahead of you drives away.
Displays in the instrument cluster
Desired speed
▷The marking lights up green:
the system is active.▷The marking lights up or‐
ange: the system has been
interrupted.▷The marking does not light up: the system
is switched off.
With instrument display: the symbol is
displayed in the speedometer similarly
to the mark for the desired speed.
Brief status display Selected desired speed.
If --- appears briefly on the display for Check
Control messages, it is possible that the sys‐
tem requirements for operation are currently
not met.
Distance to vehicle ahead of you
The selected distance to the vehicle driving
ahead of you is shown.
Distance displayDistance 1Distance 2Distance 3Distance displayDistance 4
This value is set after the system is
switched on.The system has been interrupted or
distance control is deactivated be‐
cause the accelerator is being
pressed; a vehicle was not detected.Distance control is deactivated be‐
cause the accelerator is being
pressed; a vehicle was detected.Rolling bars: the detected vehicle has driven
away.
Indicator/warning lamps
Personal responsibility
The indicator and warning lamps do not
relieve the driver of the responsibility to adapt
his or her desired driving speed and style to
the traffic conditions.◀
The vehicle symbol lights up orange:
A vehicle has been detected ahead of
you.
The vehicle symbol flashes orange:
The conditions are not adequate for
operating the system.
The system was deactivated but applies the
brakes until you actively assume control by
pressing on the brake pedal or accelerator.
The vehicle symbol flashes red and an
acoustic signal sounds:
You are requested to intervene by
braking or making an evasive maneuver.
Displays in the Head-up Display The information from Active Cruise Control
can also be displayed in the Head-up Display.
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Adjusting the Head-up Display, refer to
page 159.
System limits
Speed range Best results are achieved when using the sys‐
tem on well-developed roads and highways.
The desired speed can be selected between
20 mph/30 km/h to 110 mph/180 km/h.
The system can also be activated when sta‐
tionary.
Comply with the legal speed limit in every sit‐
uation when using the system.
Detection range
The detection capacity of the system and the
automatic braking capacity are limited.
Two-wheeled vehicles for instance might not
be detected.
Limited detection capacity
Because of the limits to the detection ca‐
pacity of the camera and the sensor, you
should be alert at all times so that you can in‐
tervene actively, if necessary; otherwise, there
is the danger of an accident occurring.◀
Deceleration
The system does not decelerate for:
▷Pedestrians or similar slow-moving road
users.▷Red traffic lights.▷Cross traffic.▷Oncoming traffic.
Swerving vehicles
A vehicle driving in front of you is not detected
until it is completely within the same lane as
your vehicle.
Swerving vehicles
If a vehicle driving ahead of you suddenly
swerves into your lane, the system may not be
able to automatically restore the selected dis‐
tance. This also applies to major speed differ‐
ences to vehicles driving ahead of you, e.g.,
when rapidly approaching a truck. When a ve‐
hicle driving ahead of you is reliably detected,
the system requests that the driver intervene
by braking and carrying out evasive maneu‐
vers, if necessary. You must react yourself;
otherwise, there is the danger of an accident
occurring.◀
Cornering
If the desired speed is too high for a curve, the
speed is reduced slightly in the curve, although
curves cannot be anticipated in advance.
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