brake light BMW 128I 2009 E81 Owner's Manual

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
27
Unlocking the luggage compartment
lid separately
Press the button on the outside of the luggage
compartment lid. This corresponds to pressing
the button.
If the vehicle detects that a remote con-
trol has been accidentally left inside the
locked vehicle after the luggage compartment
lid is closed, the lid will reopen. The hazard
warning flashers flash and a signal
* sounds.<
Switching on radio readiness
Radio readiness is switched on by pressing the
start/stop button, refer to page47.
Do not depress the brake or the clutch,
otherwise the engine will start immedi-
ately.<
Starting the engine
You can start the engine or switch on the igni-
tion when a remote control is inside the vehicle.
It is not necessary to insert a remote control into
the ignition switch, refer to page47.
Switching off the engine in cars with
automatic transmission
The engine can only be switched off when the
selector lever is in position P, refer to page48.
To switch the engine off when the selector lever
is in position N, the remote control must be in
the ignition switch.
Malfunctions
Convenient access may malfunction due to
local radio waves. If this happens, open and
close the vehicle via the buttons on the remote
control or using the integrated key. To start the
engine afterward, insert the remote control into
the ignition switch.
Warning lamps
The warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when you attempt to
start the engine: the engine cannot
be started. The remote control is not inside the
vehicle or is malfunctioning. Take the remote
control with you inside the vehicle or have it checked. If necessary, insert another remote
control into the ignition switch.
The warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up while the engine is
running: the remote control is no
longer inside the vehicle. After the engine is
switched off, the engine can only be restarted
within approx. 10 seconds.
The indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster comes on: replace the battery
in the remote control.
Replacing the battery
The remote control for convenient access con-
tains a battery that will need to be replaced from
time to time.
1.Take the integrated key out of the remote
control, refer to page18.
2.Remove the cover.
3.Insert the new battery with the plus side fac-
ing up.
4.Press the cover on to close.
Take the old battery to a battery collec-
tion point or to your BMW center.<
Windows
To prevent injuries, watch the windows
while closing them.
Take the remote control out of the ignition
when you leave the car, otherwise children
could operate the electric windows and possi-
bly injure themselves.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
49
Parking brake
The parking brake is primarily intended to pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling while parked; it
brakes the rear wheels.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp is lit, and when you
drive off a signal sounds in addition.
The parking brake is still applied.
Indicator lamp for Canadian models.
Applying
The lever locks in position automatically.
Releasing
Pull slightly upwards, press the button and
lower the lever.
In exceptional cases, if the parking brake
has to be used to slow or stop the car, do
not pull the lever up too hard. In doing so, con-
tinuously press the button of the parking brake
lever.
Otherwise, excessive force on the parking
brake can lock up the rear wheels and cause the
rear of the car to swerve.<
To prevent corrosion and one-sided brak-
ing action, occasionally apply the parking
brake lightly when the vehicle is slowly coming
to a stop if the traffic conditions are suitable.
The brake lamps do not light up when the park-
ing brake is applied.<
Manual transmission
When shifting into 5th or 6th gear, press
the gearshift lever to the right. Otherwise
the engine could be damaged if you inadvert-
ently shift into 3rd or 4th gear.<
Reverse gear
Select this only when the vehicle is stationary.
When the gearshift lever is pressed to the left, a
slight resistance has to be overcome.
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic*
In addition to fully automatic operation, you can
also manually shift with the Steptronic, refer to
page50.
Vehicle parking
To prevent the vehicle from rolling,
always select position P and apply the
parking brake before leaving the vehicle with
the engine running.<
Disengaging the remote control
In order to remove the remote control from the
ignition lock, you must first move the selector
lever to position P and switch off the engine:
interlock. Removing the remote control from
the ignition lock, refer to page47.
Selector lever positions
P R N D M/S + –

Driving
54
Cruise control*
The concept
You can use the cruise control feature begin-
ning at approx. 20 mph/30 km/h. The car then
stores and maintains the speed that you specify
using the lever on the steering column.
Do not use cruise control when driving at
constant speed is prevented by adverse
conditions, e.g. winding roads, dense traffic or
poor road conditions due to, e.g. snow, rain, ice
or loose surfaces. Otherwise you could lose
control of the vehicle and cause an accident as a
result.<
One lever for all functions
1Storing and maintaining speed or accelerat-
ing
2Storing and maintaining speed or deceler-
ating
3Deactivating cruise control
4Resuming a speed stored beforehand
Maintaining current speed
Tap the lever, arrow 1, or pull it briefly, arrow 2.
The car's current speed is stored and main-
tained. It is briefly displayed in the instrument
cluster.
If the engine braking power is insufficient on a
downhill slope, the set speed may be exceeded.
On uphill gradients, it may prove impossible to
maintain the set speed if engine power output is
insufficient.
Increasing speed
Repeatedly press the lever, arrow 1, until the
desired speed is reached.
Each time the lever is pressed lightly, the speed
is increased by approx. 1 mph/1 km/h.
Accelerating using the lever
Press the lever, arrow 1, until the desired speed
is reached.
The vehicle accelerates without pressure on
the accelerator pedal. The system stores and
maintains the speed.
Decreasing speed
Repeatedly pull the lever, arrow 2, until the
desired speed is reached.
The functions are the same as when the set
speed is increased or the vehicle is accelerated,
except that in this case the speed decreases.
Deactivating cruise control
Tap the lever upwards or downwards, arrow3.
In addition, the system is automatically deacti-
vated:
>When you brake the vehicle
>When you depress the clutch of a manual
transmission or shift to neutral
>When you select the automatic transmis-
sion's neutral position N
>When the vehicle travels faster or slower
than the set speed for an extended period,
e.g. when the accelerator is depressed
>When you activate DTC or deactivate DSC
>When DSC is intervening
Resuming a speed stored beforehand
Press the button, arrow4.
The last stored speed is resumed and main-
tained.
The stored speed is briefly displayed in the
instrument cluster.
The stored speed is cleared when the ignition is
switched off.

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:

Things to remember when driving
98 with the road surface, so that neither the car can
be steered nor the brake be properly applied.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declin-
ing tread depth on the tires, refer also to Mini-
mum tread depth on page111.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<
Use the parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle for a
lengthy period using the clutch; use the
parking brake instead. Otherwise greater clutch
wear will result.<
For more information about the drive-off assis-
tant, refer to page66.
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. Applying the brakes fully is the most
effective way of braking in situations in which
this is necessary. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that
ABS is in its active mode.
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal
every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure
that full braking efficiency will then be available
when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent brake pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Down-
shifting in manual mode of the automatic trans-
mission, refer to page50.
Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in neutral or with
the engine switched off; otherwise, engine
braking action will not be present or there will be
no power assistance to the brakes or steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
pedals, otherwise pedal function could be
impaired.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms while the automatic cli-
mate control is in operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water
under the vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
General information on caring for your BMW
can be found on page120.

Indicator and warning lamps
134
Indicator and warning lamps
Indicator and warning lamps can light up in a
variety of combinations and colors. See the
table for information on causes and how to
react. Note whether a lamp comes on alone or in
combination with another. Some lamps can
light up in different colors. Corresponding dis-
tinctions are made in the text.
12Cause Special actions to be taken
Turn signals
High beams/headlamp flasher
switched on
Fog lamps switched on
Fasten safety belts Fasten your safety belt, refer also to
page41.
Indication in US models
Parking brake applied Release the parking brake.
Indication in Canadian models
Parking brake applied Release the parking brake.
Outside temperature warning Drive cautiously, refer also to page56.
Lights up briefly:
>Approx. 2.1 US gallons/8 liters of
fuel remain in the tank
Remains on:
Remaining operating range is no more
than 30 miles/50 km, refer to page57
Engine refuses to start Depress the brake or clutch in order to
start the engine, refer to page48.
Ignition switched on and driver's door
openSwitch off the ignition, refer to page47,
or close the driver's door.
Parking lamps still on
Roadside parking lamps still on Switch off the roadside parking lamps,
refer to page76.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
135
Door open
Engine compartment lid open
Luggage compartment lid open
Lights up in red:
Convertible top not locked Automatic lock malfunctioning. Lock
the convertible top manually, refer to
page32. Have it checked by your BMW
center.
Electronic failure when closing con-
vertible topClose the convertible top manually,
refer to page32. Have it checked by
your BMW center.
Lights up in yellow:
Cargo bay partition not in lowermost
position. Convertible top cannot be
movedFold the cargo bay partition down.
Vehicle speed too high for convertible
top movementReduce speed to below 30 mph/
50 km/h and continue convertible top
movement.
Rollover protection system malfunc-
tioningHave the rollover protection system
checked by your nearest BMW center.
Gas cap missing or loose Make sure that the gas cap is correctly
positioned and close it until it audibly
clicks. Do not jam the strap between
the gas cap and the vehicle.
Windshield washer fluid level too low Add washer fluid as soon as possible,
refer to page53.
Lights up in red:
Service due Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, refer to
page61.
Lights up in yellow:
The engine will start the next time the
start/stop button is touched, possibly
without the brake or clutch being
depressed
12Cause Special actions to be taken

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
137
Indication in Canadian models:
Warning lamp flashes:
Engine malfunction under high load.
High engine load will result in damage
to the catalytic converterYou can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise due
caution. Have the vehicle checked
without delay.
Warning lamp comes on:
Engine malfunction with adverse effect
on exhaust emissionsHave the car checked as soon as possi-
ble.
Lights up in red:
Engine overheating Carefully bring the car to a stop, switch
off the engine and allow it to cool down.
Do not open the hood, otherwise there
would be a risk of injury by scalding.
Contact your BMW center.
Lights up in yellow:
Engine too hot Continue driving at more moderate
speed so that the engine can cool
down. Have the engine checked with-
out delay if the situation reoccurs.
Lights up in red:
Battery is no longer being charged.
Alternator malfunctionSwitch off all unnecessary electrical
consumers. Have the vehicle's power
supply system checked immediately.
Lights up in yellow:
Battery charge level very low, battery
aged or not securely connectedHave the battery checked as soon as
possible.
Engine oil pressure too low Stop immediately and switch off the
engine. You cannot continue your jour-
ney. Contact your BMW center.
Engine oil level too low Add engine oil immediately; refer to
page115 for more information.
Indication in US models:
Parking brake applied
Indication in Canadian models:
Parking brake applied
12Cause Special actions to be taken

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
141
Lights up in red:
>Transmission limp-home program
active with restricted range of gears,
possibly with reduced acceleration. You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise due
caution. Have the system checked
without delay.
Gears can be engaged without
depressing the brakeAlways depress the brake to engage a
gear.
Lights up in yellow: Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
>Automatic selector lever locked:
Selector lever locked in position P
with engine running and brake
depressed orOverride the selector lever lock, refer to
page51.
>Brake signal malfunctioning: gear
can be engaged without depressing
the brakeAlways depress the brake to engage a
gear. Before leaving the vehicle, move
the selector lever to position P and
switch off the engine.
Lights up in red:
Transmission overheating Bring the car to a stop and move the
selector lever to position P. Allow the
transmission to cool down. You can
continue your journey, but moderate
your speed and exercise due caution.
Have the system checked if the situa-
tion reoccurs.
Lights up in yellow:
Transmission too hot Avoid high engine loads. You can con-
tinue your journey, but moderate your
speed and exercise due caution.
Selector lever position P not engaged.
Vehicle not prevented from rolling
Selector lever position P not engaged.
Ignition cannot be switched offEngage selector lever position P when
you wish to switch off the ignition, refer
to page47.
Pinch protection system of the power
windows malfunctioningHave the system checked.
Pinch protection system of the electric
glass roof malfunctioningHave the system checked.
Cruise control system failed You can continue your journey. Have
the system checked.
12Cause Special actions to be taken