traction control BMW 328I COUPE 2008 E92 Owner's Manual

At a glance
15Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
1Coupe: microphone for voice command
system
* and for telephone in hands-free
mode
*
Convertible: microphone on steering col-
umn
2SOS: initiating an Emergency Request
call
*236
3Reading lamps103
4Coupe: glass roof, electric
*39
5Interior lamps103
6Passenger airbag status lamp
*98
7Control Display16
8Hazard warning flashers
9DTC Dynamic Traction Control90
10Central locking system32
11Automatic climate control
12Ejecting audio CD16013Changing
>Radio station164
>Track174
14Selecting radio, CD and CD changer
15Selecting AM or FM waveband
16Ejecting navigation DVD132
18Controller16
Can be turned, pressed, or moved horizon-
tally in four directions
19Opening start menu on Control Display17
21Drive for navigation DVD132
22Programmable memory keys21
23Switching audio sources on/off and adjust-
ing volume160
24Drive for audio CD160 Air distribution to the
windshield105
Air distribution to the upper body
area105
Air distribution to the footwell105
Automatic air distribution and flow
rate106
Cooling function107
AUC Automatic recirculated-air
control106
Recirculated-air mode106
Maximum cooling106
Residual heat mode107
Air flow rate106
Defrosting windows107
Rear window defroster107
17
Heated seats*49
PDC Park Distance Control
*88
Coupe:
Roller sun blind
*113
Coupe:
HDC Hill Descent Control
*90
20Convertible:
Opening and closing retractable
hardtop41

Driving
70
Deactivating cruise control
Press the lever upward or downward, arrow3.
The displays on 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 page71
>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.
4Selected desired speed is temporarily dis-
played
If --- mph or --- km/h temporarily appears
in the instrument cluster display, it is pos-
sible that the system prerequisites for operation

Controls
89Reference
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 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.<
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 page126.
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. 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
safety margin again by taking risks, as this could
result in an accident.<

Technology for driving comfort and safety
90
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.
328i, 335i: 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 experi-
ence a significant loss of traction.
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.
HDC Hill Descent Control*
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

Wheels and tires
220
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 Transportation.
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.<
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate 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
223Reference
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.
Swapping wheels between axles
BMW advises against swapping wheels
between the front and rear axles, even if all tires
have the same size, as this could impair driving
characteristics. If the tires are of mixed sizes,
swapping wheels between the axles is not per-
missible.
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
page90.<

Reference 257
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes124
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function107
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control89
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control90
– indicator/warning lamp90
DVD for navigation132
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC89
"Dynamic route" in
navigation145
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC
– indicator/warning lamp90
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC
– indicator/warning lamp90
E
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution89
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on the CD player160
Electrical malfunction
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door210
– glass roof40
– luggage compartment lid33
Electric seat adjustment46
Electric steering wheel lock
– with convenient access37
Electronic oil level check225
Emergency actuation,
automatic transmission,
refer to Overriding selector
lever lock63
Emergency operation
– fuel filler door, manual
release210
Emergency operation, refer to
Closing manually
– glass roof40Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock32
Emergency release
– luggage compartment lid
from inside34
Emergency Request236
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance236
"Enabled services"206
"Enable services"207
"End call"193
Energy, saving
– saving fuel124
Engine
– breaking in124
– data244
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature75
– speed244
– starting60
– starting, convenient
access36
– switching off60
Engine compartment225
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant227
Engine oil
– adding227
– BMW Maintenance
System229
– capacity247
– checking level225
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements79
"Engine oil level"226
Engine output, refer to Engine
data244
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data244
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine60
"Enter address"135
Entering a destination135
Entering a destination
country135
Entering a house number or
intersection137Entering an intersection136
Entering a street136
"Entertainment"160
Entry lamps, refer to Interior
lamps103
"Equalizer", refer to Tone
control163
Equalizer, refer to Tone
control162
Error messages, refer to
Check Control83
"ESN"170
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control89
Event data recorders230
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system125
Exterior mirrors52
– adjusting52
– automatic dimming
feature53
– automatic heating53
– folding in and out52
External audio device114
External audio device, refer to
AUX-In port179
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away239
– for tying down loads128
F
Fader, tone control161
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control83
Failure of an electrical
consumer235
False alarm
– avoiding unintentional
alarm36
– switching off an alarm35
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts51
Fastest route for
navigation145

Reference 267
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Torque, refer to Engine
data244
Touch tone dialing196
Tow bar239
Tow fitting239
– screw thread239
Tow fittings for tow-starting
and towing away239
Towing238
– car with automatic
transmission238
– methods239
Towing and tow-starting238
Town/city for destination135
"Town / City" in destination
entry135
Tow rope240
Tow-starting238,240
"TPM"94
TPM, refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor93
Tracks
– random play sequence176
– sampling, Scan175
– searching for175
Track width, refer to
Dimensions245
Traction control, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control89
Traffic information for
navigation
– calling up152
– display on route map153
– during destination
guidance154
– switching on/off151
– symbols154
"Traffic Info settings"152
Traffic jam
– displaying traffic
information151
– driving around154Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic61
– manual transmission61
– overriding selector lever lock
for automatic transmission
with Steptronic63
Transmission interlock
– refer to Changing selector
lever position62
– refer to P Park62
Transporting children
safely56
Transport securing devices,
refer to Securing cargo128
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tire tread221
Treble, refer to Treble and
bass161
Treble, tone control
161
"Trip computer"77
Trip computer77
Trip-distance counter, refer to
Trip odometer74
"Triple turn signal"64
Triple turn signal activation64
Trip odometer74
Trunk lid, refer to Luggage
compartment lid33
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions245
Turn signal indicators
– indicator/warning lamp12
– triple turn signal64
Turn signals63
Tying down loads, refer to
Cargo loading128
U
Underbody protection, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Uniform Tire Quality Grading/
UTQR220
"Units"78
Units
– average consumption78
– temperature78Universal garage door opener,
refer to Integrated universal
remote control110
Universal mobile phone
preparation package, refer
to separate Owner's Manual
Universal remote control110
Unlatching, refer to
Unlocking36
"Unlock button"30
Unlocking
– from inside33
– from outside29
– luggage compartment lid37
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access36
"Update services"205
USB-audio interface180
"USB" for audio
mode179,181
V
Vehicle
– battery235
– breaking in124
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– cargo loading127
– Identification Number, refer
to Engine compartment225
– measurements, refer to
Dimensions245
– parking60
– washing, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
– weight247
"Vehicle / Tires" for
unlocking30
Vehicle decommissioning
– refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Vehicle jack235
Vehicle position, refer to
Displaying current
position155
Ventilation107
– draft-free108
– in the rear108