traction control BMW 325I SEDAN 2005 E90 Owner's Manual

At a glance
15Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
1Microphone for hands-free telephone*
2Initiating an emergency call*
3Reading lamps88
4Glass sunroof
*, electric36
5Interior lamps87
6Passenger airbag status lamp
*84
7Microphone for voice command
system
*22
8Control Display16
9Hazard warning flashers
10DTC Dynamic Traction Control79
11Central locking system32
12Automatic climate control
13Ejecting
>Audio CD134
>Navigation DVD11414Changing
>Radio stations138
>Track146
16Controller16
Can be turned, pressed, or moved horizon-
tally in four directions
17Activating voice command system
*22
18Opening start menu on Control Display17
19Drive for navigation DVD114
20Switching audio sources on/off and adjust-
ing volume134
21Drive for audio CDs134 Air distribution to the
windshield90
Air distribution to the upper body
area90
Air distribution to the footwell90
Automatic air distribution
and flow rate90
Cooling function92
AUC Automatic recirculated-air
control91
Recirculated-air mode91
Maximum cooling90
Residual heat mode91
Air flow rate91
Defrosting windows91
Rear window defroster92
15
Heated seats*41
PDC Park Distance Control
*77
Roller sun blind
*95

Controls
47Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Installing child-restraint
systems
Before installing any child-restraint system or
child seat, read the following:
Observe the child-restraint system man-
ufacturer's instructions for installation
and use. Otherwise the degree of protection
may be reduced. After an accident, have all
parts of the child-restraint system and of the
relevant vehicle safety belt system checked and
replaced if necessary. Have this work done only
at your BMW center or at a workshop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel.<
Commercially-available child-restraint systems
are designed to be secured with a lap belt or
with the lap belt portion of a combination lap/
shoulder belt. Improperly or inadequately
installed restraint systems can increase the risk
of injury to children. Always read and follow the
instructions that come with the system.
Child seat security
All of the rear belt retractors and the front pas-
senger safety belt can be locked for mounting
and securing child-restraint systems.
Information regarding this is located near the
buckle latch of each safety belt.
To lock the safety belt
Pull the entire length of the belt from the belt
retractor. Allow the reel to retract the belt
somewhat and engage the buckle, then tighten
the belt against the child-restraint system. The
retraction mechanism is now locked.
To unlock the safety belt
Release the buckle, remove the child-restraint
system and allow the belt retractor to reel the
belt completely in.
Child-restraint system with tether
strap
If you use a child-restraint system with a tether
strap, three additional tether anchorage points
have been provided, refer to the arrows in the
illustration. Depending on the location selected
for seating in the rear passenger area, attach
the tether strap to the corresponding anchor-
age point to secure the child-restraint system,
as shown in the illustration below.
Placement of the tether strap
Outer sitting positions:
Lift the head restraint and pass the tether strap
between the head restraint and the seat back. It
is recommended to readjust the head restraint
into the lowest possible position.
Center sitting position:
Push the center head restraint upward. Guide
the tether strap between the head restraint and
the rear seat back. The tether strap must be
between the anchorages of the head restraint.

Driving
56
Increasing desired speed
Tap the lever repeatedly to the resistance point
or beyond, arrow1, until the desired speed is
reached.
>Each time the lever is tapped to the resis-
tance point, the desired speed is increased
by approx. 1 mph or 1 km/h.
>Each time the lever is tapped beyond the
resistance point, the desired speed is
increased to the next multiple of 5 mph or
10 km/h until a maximum of 110 mph or
180 km⁄h is reached.
The system stores and maintains the speed.
Accelerating using the lever
Accelerating slightly:
Press the lever to the resistance point, arrow 1,
until the desired speed is reached.
Accelerating significantly:
Press the lever beyond the resistance point,
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 desired speed
Pull the lever repeatedly to the resistance point
or beyond, arrow 2, until the desired speed is
reached.
>Each time the lever is pulled to the resis-
tance point, the desired speed is decreased
by approx. 1 mph or 1 km/h.
>Each time the lever is pulled back beyond
the resistance point, the desired speed is
decreased to the next multiple of 5 mph or
10 km/h until the minimum speed of
20 mph/30 km/h is reached.
The system stores and maintains the speed.
If the speed is to be reduced significantly,
press the brake pedal; otherwise, decel-
eration may be insufficient and dangerous situ-
ations could result.<
Deactivating cruise control
Tap the lever upwards or downwards, arrow3.
The displays in the speedometer disappear.
In addition, the system is automatically deacti-
vated:
>When you brake the vehicle
>When you switch gears very slowly or
engage neutral gear 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
Cruise control is not deactivated by depressing
the accelerator pedal. Once the accelerator
pedal is released, the stored speed is achieved
again and maintained.
Warning lamp
The warning lamp comes on when
cruise control has been automatically
deactivated by pressing the brake
pedal, engaging the handbrake or as a result of
DSC intervening. A message appears on the
Control Display.
Resuming a speed stored beforehand
Press button4 briefly: the stored speed is
resumed and maintained.
In the following instances, the stored speed is
deleted and can no longer be resumed:
>When driving control systems are interven-
ing
>In cars with manual transmission: when you
shift gears very slowly or engage neutral
gear
>In cars with automatic transmission: when
you engage selector lever position N
>When the ignition is switched off

Controls
59Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Increasing continuously
Press the lever repeatedly to the resistance
point or beyond, arrow1, until the desired
speed is reached.
The speed then displayed is stored and
reached as soon as the road ahead of you is
clear.
Decreasing in increments
Pull the lever repeatedly to the resistance point
or beyond, arrow 2, until the desired speed is
reached.
>Each time the lever is pulled to the resis-
tance point, the desired speed is decreased
by approx. 1 mph or 1 km/h.
>Each time the lever is pulled back beyond
the resistance point, the desired speed is
rounded off to the next multiple of 5 mph or
10 km/h until the minimum speed of
20 mph/30 km/h is reached.
The speed then displayed is stored and
achieved, provided that the road is clear.
Selecting distance
>Press downward:
Increase distance
>Press upward:
Decrease distance.
The selected distance is displayed in the instru-
ment cluster.
Distance 1 Distance 2
Distance 3
This distance is always set when
the system is used for the first time
after starting the engine.
Distance 4
Use good judgement to select the appro-
priate following distance given road con-
ditions, traffic, applicable laws and driving rec-
ommendations for safe following distance.
Otherwise, you may be in violation of the law or
an accident 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
engage neutral gear in cars with manual
transmission
>When you select the automatic transmis-
sion's neutral position N
>When you activate the Dynamic Traction
Control DTC

Technology for driving comfort and safety
78 4.Select "PDC" and press the controller.
5.Select "PDC display on" and press the con-
troller.
6. 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 ledges, may not be detectable.
Loud sound sources outside or inside the car
can drown out the PDC signal.<
Keep the sensors clean and free of ice or
snow in order to ensure that they will con-
tinue to operate effectively.
Do not spray the sensors for a long period of
time using high-pressure cleaners and maintain
a distance of at least 4 in/10 cm when spraying
the sensors.<
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 page107.
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 pedal
for the duration of the brake application. If the
brake pedal is released, DBC will be switched
off.
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.<

Controls
79Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
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
Briefly press the button; the DTC indicator
lamps in the instrument cluster come on.
Deactivating DTC again
Press the button again; the DTC indicator
lamps in the instrument cluster go out.
Deactivating DTC and DSC together
Press the button and hold it down for at least
3 seconds; the DSC indicator lamps in the instrument cluster light up. Stabilizing and
drive-output promoting actions are no longer
executed.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
Reactivating DSC
Briefly press the button; the indicator lamps in
the instrument cluster go out.
To control
If the indicator lamp flashes:
DSC or DTC controls the drive forces
and brake forces.
If the indicator lamps are on:
Both DTC and DSC have been deac-
tivated with the DTC button.
If the indicator lamps are on:
DTC has been activated with the DTC
button.
Malfunction in driving stability control
systems
These warning lamps come on:
The driving stability control systems
and the Flat Tire Monitor have failed.
Proceed cautiously and drive defen-
sively, avoiding full brake applica-
tions. Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
Display
* of this malfunction on Cana-
dian models.
Display
* of this malfunction on Cana-
dian models.

Wheels and tires
176
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 U.S. Department of Transport.
DOT code:
Tire age
The manufacturing date of tires is contained in
the tire coding: DOT … 0705 means that the
tire was manufactured in week 7 of 2005.
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
179Reference
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.
Run-Flat Tires
When mounting new tires or changing over
from summer to winter tires and vice versa,
mount Run-Flat Tires for your own safety. In the
event of a flat, moreover, no spare wheel is
available. Your BMW center will be glad to
advise you.
For safety reasons, BMW recommends
that damaged Run-Flat Tires be replaced
rather than repaired.<
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. Attach snow chains in pairs
and only to the rear wheels. Observe the manu-
facturer's instructions when mounting snow
chains. Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph or
50 km/h.
You are not permitted to mount snow chains to
tires of the following sizes:
>255/40 R 17
>255/35 R 18
>255/30 R 19
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor if
snow chains are mounted, as the instru-
ment might issue an incorrect reading.
When driving with snow chains, you may find it
helpful to switch on DTC temporarily, refer to
page79.<

Everything from A - Z
210 Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting87
"Display off"21
Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster12
Displays and controls10
"Display settings"72
Disposal
– of coolant183
– vehicle battery191
Distance control, refer to
Active cruise control57
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements69
"Distance to dest."66
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control77
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control28
Door lock31
Door locking, confirmation
signals31
"Door locks"30
Doors, emergency
operation31
DOT Quality Grades176
Draft-free ventilation92
Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders98
Drive-off assistant80
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams85
Driving notes106
Driving route, refer to
Displaying route126
Driving stability control
systems78
Driving through water107
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes106
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function92
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control78
– indicator lamps79DTC Dynamic Traction
Control79
– indicator lamps79
DVD for navigation114
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC
– indicator lamps79
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC
– indicator lamps79
E
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution78
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on the CD player134
Electrical malfunction
– door lock31
– fuel filler door168
– glass sunroof37
Electric seat adjustment39
Electronic brake-force
distribution78
Electronic oil level check181
Emergency call193
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock31
– fuel filler door168
– glass sunroof37
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission53
Emergency release of luggage
compartment lid from
luggage compartment's
interior33
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance193
Emissions test, refer to
Service requirements69
"Enable services"161
"End call"154
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control64
Energy Control64Engine
– breaking in106
– data200
– speed200
– starting49
– switching off50
Engine compartment181
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant183
Engine oil
– adding183
– BMW Maintenance
System185
– checking level181
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements69
"Engine oil level"182
Engine output, refer to Engine
data200
Engine speed200
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine49
"Enter address"116
Entering destination116
Entering the address115
Entering the intersection117
"Entertainment"134
"Entertainment settings"135
Entry map for destination118
"Equalizer", refer to Tone
control136
Error messages, refer to
Check Control73
"ESN"142
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control78
Event data recorders186
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system106
Exterior mirrors43
– adjusting43
– automatic dimming
feature107
– automatic heating44
External audio device97,149

Everything from A - Z
218 Temperature display
– ice warning64
– outside temperature64
– setting the units68
"Terminate services"163
"Text language"76
"Theater" tone settings136
Thigh support40
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center brake lamp190
Tilt alarm sensor35
Tilt function, passenger-side
mirror44
"Time"72
"Time format"72
Tire inflation pressures170
Tire pressure
– loss81
Tire pressure monitoring,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor80
Tire puncture, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor81
Tire Quality Grading176
Tires
– age176,178
– breaking in106
– changing, refer to Changing
wheels191
– condition177
– damage177
– inflation pressure170
– minimum tread depth177
– new tires178
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor80
– puncture81
– Run-Flat Tires178
– size176
– wear indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth177
– winter tires179
"Tone"135
Tone in audio mode
– adjusting135
– middle setting137
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit187
"Top 8" for portable
phone155Torque200
Touch tone dialing156
Tow bar196
Tow fittings195
Tow fittings for tow-starting
and towing away195
Towing195
– methods
196
Towing away
– car with automatic
transmission195
"Town / City" in destination
entry116
Tow rope196
Tow-starting195
Tracks
– random play sequence147
Track width, refer to
Dimensions200
Traction-assist feature, refer
to DSC78
Traction control, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control78
Trailer towing
– towing loads and gross
weight201
Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic51
– manual transmission51
Transporting children
safely46
Transport securing device,
refer to Securing cargo109
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tire tread177
Treble, tone control135
"Trip computer"66
Trip computer66
Trip-distance counter, refer to
Trip odometer64
"Triple turn signal
activation"53,85
Trip odometer64
Trunk lid, refer to Luggage
compartment lid32
Trunk lights, refer to Luggage
compartment lamp87Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions200
Turn signals53
– indicator lamp12
– replacing bulbs189
Tying down loads, refer to
Cargo loading109
U
Underbody protection, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Uniform Tire Quality Grading/
UTQR176
"Units"68
Units
– average consumption68
– temperature68
Universal garage door opener,
refer to Integrated universal
remote control93
Universal remote control93
"Unlock button"30
Unlocking
– from inside32
– from outside30
"Update services"163
V
Vehicle
– battery191
– breaking in106
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– cargo loading108
– dimensions200
– Identification Number, refer
to Engine compartment181
– parking50
– washing, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
– weight201
Vehicle jack191
Vehicle position, refer to
Displaying current
position129
"Vehicle settings"80