BMW 3 SERIES CONVERTIBLE 2013 E93 Owner's Manual

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ControlsTechnology for driving comfort and safety
Technology for driving comfort and safety
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all pr oduction, country, and
optional equipment that is offered in the model
range is described. For this reason, descrip-
tions will be given of some equipment that may
not be available in a vehi cle, for example due to
the special options or national-market version
selected. This also app lies to safety related
functions and systems.
Park Distance Control PDC
The concept
The PDC assists you with maneuvering in tight
parking spaces. Acoustic signals and a visual
indicator warn you of the presence of an object
in front of or behind your vehicle. To measure
the distance, there are four ultrasonic sensors
in either bumper.
These sensors have a range of approx. 6.5 ft/
2 m. However, an acoustic warning does not
sound until an object is approx. 24 in/60 cm
from the front sensors and rear corner sensors,
or approx. 5 ft/1.50 m from the rear center
sensors.
PDC is a parking aid that can indicate
objects when they are approached
slowly, as is usually th e case when parking.
Avoid approaching an object at high speed; oth-
erwise, physical circumstances may lead to the
system warning being issued too late. <
Switching on automatically
With the engine running or the ignition switched
on, the system is activated after approx. one
second when you shift into reverse or move the
automatic transmission selector lever to
position R. Wait this short period before driving.
Switching off automatically
After approx. 50 ft/50 m of driving or above
approx. 20 mph or 30 km/h, the system
switches off and the LED goes out.
Switching on manually
When parking in the forward direction, the sen-
sors must be switched on manually to enable
them to signal an approach to an object in front
of or behind the vehicle.
Press the button; the LED lights up.
Switching off manually
Press the button again; the LED goes out.
Signal tones
When nearing an object, its position is indicated
correspondingly by an interval tone. For exam-
ple, if an object is dete cted behind the vehicle,
the signal tone sounds from the rear. As the dis-
tance between vehicle an d object decreases,
the intervals betwee n the tones become
shorter. If the distance to the nearest object
falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm, then a
continuous tone sounds.
An interval tone is interrupted after approx.
3seconds
> If you remain in front of an object that has
been detected by only one of the corner
sensors
> If you are driving parallel to a wall.

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Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up. A mes-
sage appears on th
e Control Display.
PDC is malfunctioning. Have the
system checked.
To avoid this problem, keep the sensors clean
and free of ice or snow in order to ensure that
they will continue to op erate effectively. When
using a high-pressure cleaner, do not spray the
sensors for extended periods of time and only
from a distance of at least 1 ft/30 cm.
Manual operation
The LED above the button also flashes.
PDC with visual warning
The approach of the vehicle to an object is
shown on the Control Display. Objects that are
farther away are displayed on the Control Dis-
play before a signal to ne sounds. The display
appears 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 limit s that apply to all forms
of ultrasonic measurement, such as those
encountered with traile r towbars and hitches,
thin or wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low objects
that have already been displayed, e.g. curbs,
can disappear again from the detection area of
the sensors before or after a continuous tone
sounds. Higher, protruding objects, e.g. ledges,
cannot be detected. Therefore, always drive
cautiously; otherwise, there is a risk of personal
injury or property damage.
Loud sound sources outside or inside the car
can drown out the PDC signal. Therefore,
always drive cautiously; otherwise, there is a
risk of personal injury or property damage. <
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 page138.
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 exploi ts all of the benefits
provided by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressu re 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 aw ay 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 brakin g actions at the indi-
vidual wheels.

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The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with DSC. An appropriate driving
style always remains th e responsibility of the
driver. Therefore, do not reduce the additional
safety margin again by taking risks, as this could
result in an accident. <
Deactivating DSC
Press the button for at le ast 3 seconds until the
indicator lamp for DSC OFF lights up and DSC
OFF is displayed in the instrument cluster.
Dynamic Traction Control DTC and DSC have
been simultaneously de activated. 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 to enhance drive output if the
drive wheels experience a significant loss of
traction.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Press the button again; th e indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes: the DSC
controls the driving and braking forces.
If the indicator lamp lights up: DSC and
DTC have failed.
The indicator lamp lights up and
DSC OFF is displayed in the instrument
cluster: DSC is deactivated.
Dynamic Traction Control DTC
DTC is a version of DSC in which the drive out-
put is optimized for part icular 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 sp ecial 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 lamp for DSC
OFF lights up and TRACTION is displayed in
the instrument cluster.
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes: DTC
controls the driving and braking forces.
If the indicator lamp lights up: DSC and
DTC have failed.
The indicator lamp lights up and TRAC-
TION is displayed in the instrument
cluster: DTC is activated.
Deactivating DTC
Press the button again; th e indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.

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xDrive
xDrive is your BMW's fo
ur-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
HDC is a downhill driving assistant that controls
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 fast er than double walking
speed without the driver needing to intervene.
HDC is available for activation at vehicle speeds
below approx. 20 mph or 35 km/h. When driving
downhill at a speed of under approx. 20 mph or
35 km/h, the vehicle's speed is automatically
reduced to slightly more than double walking
speed and maintained.
Increasing or de creasing speed
You can use the accelerato r or brakes to vary
this automatically cont rolled speed within a
range of between approx. 3 mph/5 km/h and
20 mph/25 km/h.
You can specify a target speed within the same
range by using the lever of the cruise control.
1 To increase speed
2 To decrease speed
Activating HDC
Press the button; the LED lights up.
When the vehicle is being braked automatically,
the LED flashes.
Deactivating HDC
Press the button again; the LED goes out.
HDC is automatically de activated at speeds
over approx. 40 mph or 60 km/h.
Using HDC
In cars with manual transmission:
Use HDC in lower gears and in reverse gear.
With automatic transmission:
You can use HDC in any drive position.
Displays in the instrument cluster
1 Display for target speed
2 HDC display
Malfunction
The HDC display disappears during HDC
operation, or does not appear:
HDC is temporarily unav ailable due to exces-
sive brake temperature, or DSC has failed.

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Drive-off assistant
The drive-off assistant enables you to drive off
smoothly on uphill gradients. It is not necessary
to use the parking brake for this.
1.Hold the car in place by depressing the
brake.
2. Release the brake and drive off without
delay.
The drive-off assistant holds the car in
place for approx. 2 seconds after the
brake is released. Drive off without delay after
releasing the brake. Ot herwise, the drive-off
assistant will no longer hold the car in place
after approx. 2 seconds and the car will start to
roll backwards. <
Flat Tire Monitor FTM
The concept
The system does not measure the actual
inflation pressure in the tires.
The system detects a pressure loss in a tire by
comparing the rotational speeds of the individ-
ual wheels while moving.
In the event of a pressure loss, the diameter and
therefore the rotational speed of the corre-
sponding wheel change. This is detected and
reported as a flat tire.
Functional requirement
The system must have be en initialized while the
tire inflation pressure was correct; otherwise,
reliable signaling of a flat tire is not ensured.
Each time a tire inflation pressure has been
corrected or a wheel or tire has been changed,
reinitialize the system.
System limitations
Sudden serious tire damage caused by
external influences cannot be indicated in
advance.<
A natural, steady pressure loss in all four tires is
not detected. Therefore, check the tire inflation
pressure regularly.
In the following situatio ns, the system could be
delayed or malfunction:
> System has not been initialized
> Driving on snowy or slippery road surface
> Performance-oriented style of driving: slip
in the drive wheels, hi gh lateral acceleration
> Snow chains are attached
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 syst em when driving with
snow chains.

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1.
"Vehicle Info"
2. "Vehicle status"
3. "Reset"
4. Start the engine – do not drive away.
5. Start the initialization by selecting "Reset".
6. Start driving.
The initialization is completed during driv-
ing, which can be interrupted at any time.
When driving resumes, the initialization is con-
tinued automatically. <
Indication of a flat tire
The warning lamps light up in yellow
and red. A message appears on the
Control Display. In addition, an
acoustic signal sounds. There is a flat
tire or a major loss in tire pressure.
1. Reduce speed and stop the vehicle with
caution. Avoid sudden braking and steering
maneuvers.
If the vehicle is not equipped with run-flat
tires, do not continue driving; continuing
to drive can result in serious accidents.<
When a flat tire is re ported, the Dynamic Stabil-
ity Control DSC is activated.
Actions in the event of a flat tire
Run-flat tires
With a damaged tire, is possible to continue
driving at speeds of up to 50 mph/80 km/h.
When driving with a damaged tire: 1.
Avoid sudden braking and steering
maneuvers.
2. Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
3. At the next opportunity, check the inflation
pressure in all four tires.
If the inflation pressure in all four tires is cor-
rect, the Flat Tire Monitor might not have
been initialized. The system must then be
initialized.
Possible driving distance with complete loss of
tire pressure:
The distance it is possible to drive with a flat tire
depends on the load and the stress on the vehi-
cle while driving.
With an average load, it may be possible to drive
for approx. 50 miles/80 km.
When driving with damaged tires, the handling
characteristics change, e. g. the vehicle will skid
sooner when braking, braking distances will be
longer, or self-steerin g response will change.
Adapt your driving style accordingly. Avoid
turning abruptly and driving over obstacles
such as curbs, potholes, etc.
Since the possible drivin g distance depends to
a considerable degree on the strain exerted on
the vehicle while driving, it can be shorter or,
with a gentle driving style, can also be longer,
depending on the speed, road condition, out-
side temperature, vehicle load, etc.
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
When there is a tire pr essure loss, the handling
characteristics change, e.g. there will be
reduced directional stability during braking,
braking distances will be longer, and self-
steering response will change. <
Vibrations or loud noises while driving can
indicate final failure of the tire. Reduce
your speed and bring the vehicle to a stop;
otherwise, tire components may become
detached, which could result in an accident. Do
not continue driving; instead, contact your
BMW center. <

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Tire Pressure Monitor TPM
The concept
Check the inflation pressure in the four installed
tires. The system notifies you if there is a signif-
icant loss of pressure in one or more tires.
Functional requirement
The system must have been reset while the
inflation pressure was correct; otherwise, reli-
able signaling of a flat tire is not ensured.
Always use wheels with TPM electronics to
ensure that the system will operate properly.
Each time a tire inflation pressure has been
corrected or a wheel or tire has been changed,
reset the system.
System limitations
Sudden serious tire damage caused by
external influences cannot be indicated in
advance.<
The system does not function correctly if it has
not been reset. For example, a flat tire may be
indicated even though th e tire inflation pres-
sures are correct.
The system is inactive an d cannot indicate a flat
tire:
> When a wheel without TPM electronics is
installed.
> Interference with TPM by other systems
or devices with the same transmission
frequency.
Status display
The current status of th e Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM can be displayed on the Control Display,
e.g., whether or not the TPM is active.
1. "Vehicle Info"
2. "Vehicle status" 3.
"Tire Pressure Monitor - TPM"
The status is displayed.
Status indicator on the Control Display
The color of the tires represents the status of
the tires and the system.
A change in the tire in flation pressure during
driving is taken into account.
A correction is only requ ired when this is indi-
cated by the TPM.
Green wheels
The inflation pressure corresponds to the
desired state.
"TPM active" appears in the Control Display.
One wheel yellow
There is a flat tire or substantial loss of tire
pressure in the indicated tire.
All wheels yellow
> There is a flat tire or substantial loss of tire
pressure in several tires.
> The system was not reset after a wheel
change and thus issues a warning based on
the inflation pressure s initialized last.
Gray wheels
The system cannot de tect a puncture.
Reasons for this may be:
> TPM is being reset.
> Interference from systems or devices that
use the same radio frequency.
> Malfunction.

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Resetting the system
Each time a tire inflation pressure has been
corrected or a wheel or tire has been changed,
reset the system.
1.
"Vehicle Info"
2. "Vehicle status"
3. "Reset"
4. Start the engine – do not drive away.
5. Reset the inflation pr essure by selecting
"Reset".
6. Start driving.
The tires are shown in gray and "Resetting
TPM..." is displayed.
After driving a few minu tes, the set inflation
pressures in the tires are accepted as the target
values to be monitored. The resetting process
is completed automatically as you drive. The
tires are depicted in green on the Control Dis-
play and "Status: TPM active" is displayed
again.
The trip can be interrupted at any time.
When driving resumes, resetting continues
automatically.
If a flat tire is detected while the system is
resetting, all tires on the Control Display
are displayed in yellow. The message "Low
tire!" is displayed. <
Message for low tire inflation pressure
The warning lamps light up in yellow
and red. A message appears on the
Control Display. In addition, a signal
sounds.
> There is a flat tire or substantial loss of tire
pressure in the indicated wheel.
> The system was not reset after a wheel
change and thus issues a warning based on
the inflation pressure s initialized last.
Reduce speed and stop the vehicle with
caution. Avoid sudden braking and steering
maneuvers. If the vehicle is not equipped with run-flat
tires, do not continue driving; continuing
to drive can result in serious accidents.<
When a low tire pressure is reported, the
Dynamic Stability Control DSC is activated.
Actions in the event of a flat tire
Run-flat tires
You can continue driving with a damaged tire at
speeds up to 50 mph/80 km/h.
When driving with a damaged tire:
1. Avoid sudden braking and steering
maneuvers.
2. Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
3. At the next opportunity, check the inflation
pressure in all four tires.
If the inflation pressure is correct in all four
tires, then the Tire Pressure Monitor may
not have been reset. The system must then
be reset.
Possible driving distance with complete loss of
tire inflation pressure:
The distance it is possible to drive with a flat tire
depends on the load and the stress on the vehi-
cle while driving.
With an average load, it may be possible to drive
for approx. 50 miles/80 km.

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When driving with damaged tires, the handling
characteristics ch ange, e.g. the vehicle will skid
sooner when braking, braking distances will be
longer, or self-steerin g response will change.
Adapt your driving style accordingly. Avoid
turning abruptly and driving over obstacles
such as curbs, potholes, etc.
Since the possible driving distance depends to
a considerable degree on the strain exerted on
the vehicle while driving, it can be shorter or,
with a gentle driving style, can also be longer,
depending on the speed, road condition, out-
side temperature, vehicle load, etc.
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
When there is a tire pressure loss, the handling
characteristics change, e.g. there will be
reduced directional stability during braking,
braking distances will be longer, and self-
steering response will change. <
Vibrations or loud noises while driving can
indicate complete fa ilure of the tire.
Reduce your speed and bring the vehicle to a
stop; otherwise, tire components may become
detached, which could result in an accident. Do
not continue driving; instead, contact your
BMW center. <
Message for unsuccessful system
reset
Yellow warning lamp lights up. A
message appears on the Control Dis-
play.
The system has detected a wheel change, but
was not reset. A reliable warning is not possible
at the current inflation pressures.
Check the tire inflation pressure and reset the
system, refer to page 103.
Malfunction
The small warning lamp flashes in
yellow and then lights up continu-
ously; the large warning lamp lights
up in yellow. The tires appear in gray
in the Control Display. No punctures can be
detected.
Display in the follo wing situations:
> A wheel without TPM electronics has been
installed:
Have it checked by your BMW center.
> Malfunction
Have the system checked.
> Tire Pressure Monitor was unable to
complete the resetting process. Reset the
system again.
The small warning lamp flashes in
yellow and then lights up continu-
ously; the large warning lamp lights
up in yellow. The tires appear in gray
in the Control Display. No punctures can be
detected.
Display in the follo wing situations:
> Interference from systems or devices that
use the same radio frequency:
The system automatica lly becomes active
again when the vehicl e moves out of the
interference zone.
Declaration according to NHTSA/
FMVSS 138
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
Each tire should be checked monthly when cold
and inflated to the inflation pressure recom-
mended by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire infl ation pressure label. If
your vehicle has tires of a different size than the
size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire infla-
tion pressure label, yo u should determine the
proper tire inflation pressure for those tires. As
an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring sys-
tem, TPMS, that illuminate s a low tire pressure
telltale when one or more of your tires are signif-

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icantly underinflated. Accordingly, when the
low tire pressure telltal
e illuminates, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as possible,
and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly underinflated tire causes the
tire to overheat and ca n lead to tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and
tire tread life and may a ffect the vehicle's han-
dling and stopping ability. Please note that the
TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver's responsibility to
maintain correct tire pr essure, even if underin-
flation has not reached th e level to trigger illumi-
nation of the TPMS low tire pressure indicator.
The TPMS malfunction in dicator is combined
with the low tire pressure telltale. When the sys-
tem detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash
for approximately one minute and then remain
continuously lit. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle startups as long as
the malfunction exists. When the malfunction
indicator is illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a
variety of reasons, includ ing the installation of
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow
the TPMS to continue to function properly.
Active steering
The concept
Active steering varies the turning angle of the
front wheels in relation to steering wheel move-
ments. It also varies the steering force required
to turn the wheels depe nding on the speed at
which you are driving. When you are driving in the low speed range,
e.g. in a town or when parking, the steering
angle is increased, i.e. steering becomes very
direct and less effort is required to turn the
wheels. In the higher speed range, on the other
hand, the steering angle is reduced as the
speed increases. This im
proves the handling of
your BMW over the entire speed range.
In critical situations, the system can make tar-
geted corrections to the steering angle pro-
vided by the driver and thus stabilize the vehicle
before the driver intervenes. This stabilizing
intervention is simult aneously deactivated
when DSC is switched off, refer to page 98.
Malfunction
The warning lamps light up and a
message is displayed on the Control
Display. Active steering is malfunc-
tioning or is temporarily deactivated.
At low speeds, greater steering wheel move-
ments are required, whereas at higher speeds
the vehicle reacts more sensitively to steering
wheel movements. The stability-enhancing
feature may also be deactivated. Drive
cautiously and think well ahead.
Deactivation
Active steering is deactivated to perform an ini-
tialization. A message in dicates that the feature
is deactivated. Initializ ation may take several
minutes.
If the message does no t disappear during the
current trip, have the system checked.
Defect
If there is a defect, a corresponding text
message appears. Have the system checked.

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