Driving stability control systems BMW 5 SERIES 2013 F10 Owner's Manual

ContentsThe fastest way to find information on a partic‐
ular topic or item is by using the index, refer to
page 258.6Notes
At a glance
12Cockpit16iDrive23Voice activation system26Integrated Owner's Manual in the vehicle
Controls
30Opening and closing48Adjusting59Transporting children safely63Driving78Displays96Lamps101Safety126Driving stability control systems133Driving comfort160Climate control167Interior equipment176Storage compartments
Driving tips
184Things to remember when driving188Loading191Saving fuelMobility200Refueling202Fuel207Wheels and tires224Engine compartment226Engine oil229Coolant231Maintenance233Replacing components240Breakdown assistance246Care
Reference
252Technical data258Everything from A to Z
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▷New Vehicle Limited Warranty.▷Rust Perforation Limited Warranty.▷Federal Emissions System Defect War‐
ranty.▷Federal Emissions Performance Warranty.▷California Emission Control System Lim‐
ited Warranty.
Detailed information about these warranties is
listed in the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models or in the Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models.
Your vehicle has been specifically adapted and
designed to meet the particular operating con‐
ditions and homologation requirements in your
country and continental region in order to de‐
liver the full driving pleasure while the vehicle
is operated under those conditions. If you wish
to operate your vehicle in another country or
region, you may be required to adapt your ve‐
hicle to meet different prevailing operating
conditions and homologation requirements.
You should also be aware of any applicable
warranty limitations or exclusions for such
country or region. In such case, please contact
Customer Relations for further information.
Maintenance
Maintain the vehicle regularly to sustain the
road safety, operational reliability and the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Specifications for required maintenance meas‐
ures:
▷BMW Maintenance system▷Service and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models▷Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
If the vehicle is not maintained according to
these specifications, this could result in seri‐
ous damage to the vehicle. Such damage is
not covered by the BMW New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
Data memory
Many electronic components on your vehicle
are equipped with data memories that tempo‐
rarily or permanently store technical informa‐
tion about the condition of the vehicle, events
and faults. This technical information generally
documents the state of a component, a mod‐
ule, a system or the environment:▷Operating states of system components,
fill levels for instance.▷Status messages for the vehicle and from
its individual components, e.g., wheel rota‐
tion speed/ vehicle speed, deceleration,
transverse acceleration.▷Malfunctions and faults in important sys‐
tem components, e.g., lights and brakes.▷Responses by the vehicle to special situa‐
tions, e.g., deployment of an airbag, en‐
gagement of stability control systems.▷Ambient conditions, such as temperature.
This data is purely technical in nature and is
used to detect and correct faults and to opti‐
mize vehicle functions. Motion profiles over
routes traveled cannot be created from this
data. When service offerings are used, e.g., re‐
pair services, service processes, warranty
claims, quality assurance, this technical infor‐
mation can be read out from the event and
fault memories by the service personnel, in‐
cluding the manufacturer, using special diag‐
nostic tools. You can obtain further information
there if it is needed. After a fault is corrected,
the information in the fault memory is deleted
or overwritten on a continuous basis.
When the vehicle is in use, situations are con‐
ceivable in which it might be possible to asso‐
ciate this technical data with individuals if it is
combined with other information, e.g., an acci‐
dent report, damage to the vehicle, eye wit‐
ness accounts — possibly with the assistance
of an expert.
Additional functions that are contractually
agreed with the customer, such as vehicle lo‐
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If an identification is not possible, please
contact the service center.2.Rectify the flat tire.
Run-flat tires
Maximum speed
You can continue driving with a damaged tire
at speeds up to 50 mph/80 km/h.
Continued driving with a flat tire
If continuing to drive with a damaged tire:
1.Avoid sudden braking and steering maneu‐
vers.2.Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.3.Check the air pressure in all four tires at
the next opportunity.
If the tire inflation pressure in all four tires
is correct, the Flat Tire Monitor may not
have been initialized. In this case, initialize
the system.
Possible driving distance with complete loss of
tire inflation pressure:
The possible driving distance after a loss of tire
inflation pressure depends on the cargo load
and the driving style and conditions.
For a vehicle containing an average load, the
possible driving distance is approx.
50 miles/80 km.
When the vehicle is driven with a damaged tire,
its handling characteristics change, e.g., re‐
duced lane stability during braking, a longer
braking distance, and altered self-steering
properties. Adjust your driving style accord‐
ingly. Avoid abrupt steering maneuvers or driv‐
ing over obstacles, e.g., curbs, potholes, etc.
Because the possible driving distance de‐
pends on how the vehicle is used during the
trip, the actual distance may be smaller or
greater depending on the driving speed, road
conditions, external temperature, cargo load,
etc.
Continued driving with a flat tire
Drive moderately and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
A loss of tire inflation pressure results in a
change in the handling characteristics, e.g., re‐
duced lane stability during braking, a longer
braking distance and altered self-steering
properties.◀
Final tire failure
Vibrations or loud noises while driving
can indicate the final failure of the tire. Reduce
speed and stop; otherwise, pieces of the tire
could come loose and cause an accident. Do
not continue driving, and contact your service
center.◀
Intelligent Safety
The concept Depending on how the vehicle is equipped, In‐
telligent Safety consists of one or more of the
following systems, which can help to avoid an
imminent collision. These systems are active
automatically every time the engine is started
using the Start/Stop button:▷Collision warning, refer to page 110.▷Pedestrian warning, refer to page 115.
Note
Personal responsibility
The system does not serve as a substi‐
tute for the driver's personal judgment of the
traffic situation.
Be aware of the traffic situation and the vehi‐
cle's surroundings at all times, otherwise an
accident is still possible despite all warnings.◀
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Detection range
The system's detection capabilities are limited.
This may result in the warning not being is‐
sued or being issued late.
For example, the following situations may not
be detected:▷Slow moving vehicles when you approach
them at high speed.▷Vehicles that suddenly swerve in front of
you or sharply decelerating vehicles.▷Vehicles with an unusual rear appearance.▷Two-wheeled vehicles ahead of you.▷Pedestrians.
Functional limitations
The system may not be fully functional in the
following situations:
▷In heavy fog, rain, sprayed water or snow‐
fall.▷In tight curves.▷If the driving stability control systems are
limited or deactivated, for example, DSC
OFF.▷If the camera in the mirror or the radar sen‐
sor is dirty or obscured.▷During calibration of the camera immedi‐
ately after vehicle shipment.▷If there is constant dimming because of
oncoming light, for example, from the sun
low in the sky.
Prewarning sensitivity
Depending on the set prewarning time, this
may result in increased false warnings.
Collision warning with
braking function
The concept The system issues a warning if there is immi‐
nent danger of a collision and also includes a
braking function.
If the vehicle is equipped with Active Cruise
Control with Stop & Go, the collision warning is
controlled via the cruise control radar sensor in
conjunction with a camera.
The collision warning is available even if cruise
control has been deactivated.
When the vehicle is intentionally brought close
to a vehicle, the collision warning is delayed to
avoid false warnings.
General information
The system issues a two-phase warning of a
possible danger of collision with vehicles at
speeds above approx. 3 mph/5 km/h. The time
of these warnings may vary depending on the
current driving situation.
Detection range
It responds to stationary or moving objects
that are within the detection range of the radar
system.
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Above approx. 130 mph/210 km/h, the braking
intervention occurs as a brief braking pressure.
No automatic delay occurs.
Adapting your speed and driving style
The warning does not relieve the driver
of the responsibility to adapt his or her driving
speed and style to the traffic conditions.◀
The braking intervention can be interrupted by
pressing on the accelerator or by actively mov‐
ing the steering wheel.
When towing or tow-starting the vehicle,
switch off the collision warning with braking
function to prevent undesired interventions.
Display in the instrument cluster The collision warning can be issued in the in‐
strument cluster, in the Head-up Display, and
acoustically.
Warning stagesSymbolMeasureThe vehicle lights up red: prewarn‐
ing.
Increase distance.The vehicle flashes red and an
acoustic signal sounds: acute warn‐
ing.
You are requested to intervene by
braking or making an evasive ma‐
neuver.
Adapting your speed and driving style
The display does not relieve the driver of
the responsibility to adapt his or her driving
speed and style to the traffic conditions.◀
System limits
Be alert
Due to system limitations, warnings may
be not be issued at all, or may be issued late or
improperly. Therefore, always be alert and
ready to intervene; otherwise, there is the dan‐
ger of an accident occurring.◀
Detection range
The system's detection capabilities are limited.
This may result in the warning not being is‐
sued or being issued late.
For example, the following situations may not
be detected:▷Slow moving vehicles when you approach
them at high speed.▷Vehicles that suddenly swerve in front of
you or sharply decelerating vehicles.▷Vehicles with an unusual rear appearance.▷Two-wheeled vehicles ahead of you.▷Pedestrians.
Functional limitations
The system may not be fully functional in the
following situations:
▷In heavy fog, rain, sprayed water or snow‐
fall.▷In tight curves.▷If the driving stability control systems are
limited or deactivated, for example, DSC
OFF.▷If the camera in the mirror or the radar sen‐
sor is dirty or obscured.▷During calibration of the camera immedi‐
ately after vehicle shipment.▷If there is constant dimming because of
oncoming light, for example, from the sun
low in the sky.Seite 114ControlsSafety114
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Camera
The camera is located near the base of the
mirror.
Keep the windshield in the area behind the in‐
terior rear view mirror clean and clear.
Switching on/off
Switching on automatically The system is automatically active every time
the engine is started using the Start/Stop but‐
ton.
Switching off Press the button: the systems are
switched off. The LED goes out.
Press the button: the systems are switched off.
The LED lights up.
Warning with braking function Adapting your speed and driving style
The warning does not relieve the driver
of the responsibility to adapt his or her driving
speed and style to the traffic conditions.◀
Display If a collision with a person detected in this way
is imminent, a warning symbol appears on the
instrument cluster and in the Head-up Display.
The red symbol is displayed and a sig‐
nal sounds.
Intervene immediately by braking or making an
evasive maneuver.
Braking intervention The warning prompts the driver himself to in‐
tervene. During the warning, the maximum
braking force is used, even with light pressure
on the brake pedal. In addition, if there is a risk
of collision, the system can assist with a slight
braking intervention. The intervention can bring a vehicle traveling at slow speed to a
complete stop.
Manual transmission: During a braking inter‐
vention up until reaching a complete stop, the
engine may be shut down.
The braking intervention is executed only if
DSC Dynamic Stability Control is switched on
and Dynamic Traction Control DTC is acti‐
vated.
The braking intervention can be interrupted by
pressing on the accelerator or by actively mov‐
ing the steering wheel.
When towing or tow-starting the vehicle,
switch off the pedestrian warning to prevent
undesired interventions.
System limits Be alert
Due to system limitations, warnings may
be not be issued at all, or may be issued late or
improperly. Therefore, always be alert and
ready to intervene; otherwise, there is the dan‐
ger of an accident occurring.◀
Detection range
The detection capability of the camera is lim‐
ited.
This may result in the warning not being is‐
sued or being issued late.
For example, the following situations may not
be detected:▷Partially covered pedestrians.Seite 116ControlsSafety116
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Driving stability control systemsVehicle equipmentAll 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.
Antilock Brake System ABS ABS prevents locking of the wheels during
braking.
The vehicle remains steerable even during full
brake applications, thus increasing active
safety.
ABS is operational every time you start the en‐
gine.
Brake assistant
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system
automatically produces the maximum braking
force boost. This then reduces braking dis‐ tance to a minimum during full braking. This
system utilizes all of the benefits provided by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
for the duration of the full braking.
When equipped with Driving Assistant Plus or
with Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go
function, ACC is supported by the braking in‐
tervention if there is a possible risk of collision.
To do this, the braking force is automatically increased if the braking pressure is insufficient
when the brakes are applied.Adaptive brake assistant
In combination with the Active Cruise Control,
this system ensures that the brakes respond
even more rapidly when braking in critical sit‐
uations.
Drive-off assistant
This system supports driving away on gradi‐
ents. The parking brake is not required.1.Hold the vehicle in place with the foot
brake.2.Release the foot brake and drive away
without delay.
After the foot brake is released, the vehicle is
held in place for approx. 2 seconds.
Depending on the vehicle load or when a trailer
is being used, the vehicle may roll back
slightly.
Driving off without delay
After releasing the foot brake, start driv‐
ing without delay, since the drive-off assistant
will not hold the vehicle in place for more than
approx. 2 seconds and the vehicle will begin
rolling back.◀
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control
The concept DSC prevents traction loss in the driving
wheels when driving away and accelerating.
DSC also recognizes unstable vehicle condi‐
tions, such as fishtailing or nose-diving. Sub‐
ject to physical limits, DSC helps to keep the
vehicle on a steady course by reducing engine
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speed and by applying brakes at individual
wheels.
Adjust your driving style to the situation
An appropriate driving style is always the
responsibility of the driver.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed, even
with DSC.
Therefore, do not reduce the additional safety
margin by driving in a risky manner.◀
Indicator/warning lamps The indicator lamp flashes: DSC con‐
trols the drive forces and brake forces.
The indicator lamp lights up: DSC has
failed.
Deactivating DSC: DSC OFF
When DSC is deactivated, driving stability is
reduced 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 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.
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 is deactivated, DSC OFF is dis‐
played in the instrument cluster.
The indicator lamp lights up: DSC is
deactivated.
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control
The concept The DTC system is a version of the DSC in
which forward momentum is optimized.
The system ensures maximum forward mo‐
mentum on special road conditions, e.g., unp‐
lowed snowy roads, but driving stability is lim‐
ited.
It is therefore necessary to drive with appropri‐
ate caution.
You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC
under the following special circumstances:▷When driving in slush or on uncleared,
snow-covered roads.▷When rocking the vehicle or driving off in
deep snow or on loose surfaces.▷When driving with snow chains.
Deactivating/activating DTC Dynamic
Traction Control
Activating the Dynamic Traction Control DTC
provides maximum traction on loose ground.
Driving stability is limited during acceleration
and when driving in bends.
Activating DTC Press the button.
TRACTION is displayed in the instru‐
ment cluster and the indicator lamp for DSC
OFF lights up.
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Deactivating DTCPress the button again.
TRACTION and the DSC OFF indica‐
tor lamp go out.
Indicator/warning lamps When DTC is activated, TRACTION is dis‐
played in the tachometer.
The indicator lamp lights up: DTC Dy‐
namic Traction Control is activated.
xDrive
xDrive is the all-wheel-drive system of your ve‐
hicle. Concerted action by the xDrive and DSC
further optimize traction and driving dynamics.
The xDrive all-wheel-drive system variably dis‐
tributes the drive forces to the front and rear
axles as demanded by the driving situation and
road surface.
HDC Hill Descent Control
The concept HDC is a downhill driving assistant that auto‐
matically controls vehicle speed on steep
downhill gradients. Without applying the
brakes, the vehicle moves at slightly more than
walking speed.
Hill Descent Control can be activated at
speeds below approx. 22 mph/35 km/h. When
driving downhill, the vehicle reduces its speed
to approx. walking speed and then keeps its
speed constant.
As long as there is active braking, the system
is on standby. The system does not brake the
vehicle during this time.
Use HDC in low gears or in transmission posi‐
tion D or R only.Increasing or decreasing vehicle
speed
Specify desired speed in the range from ap‐
prox. 4 mph/6 km/h to approx. 15 mph/25 km/h
using the rocker switch of the cruise control on
the steering wheel. Vehicle speed can be
changed by lightly accelerating.▷Press up the rocker switch to the point of
resistance: the speed increases gradually.▷Press up the rocker switch past the point
of resistance: the speed increases while
the rocker switch is pressed.▷Press down the rocker switch to the point
of resistance: the speed decreases gradu‐
ally.▷Press down the rocker switch past the
point of resistance: when driving forward,
the speed decreases to approx.
6 mph/10 km/h; when reversing, the speed
decreases to approx. 4 mph/6 km/h.
Activating HDC
Press the button; the LED above the but‐
ton lights up.
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Deactivating HDCPress the button again and the LED goes
out. HDC is automatically deactivated
above approx. 37 mph/60 km/h.
Display in the instrument cluster The selected speed is displayed
in the speedometer.▷Green: the system is actively
braking the vehicle.▷Orange: the system is on
standby.
Malfunction
A message is displayed in the instrument clus‐
ter. HDC is not available, e.g., due to elevated
brake temperatures.
Adaptive Drive
The concept Adaptive Drive includes the following systems:
▷Dynamic Drive, refer to page 129.▷Dynamic Damping Control, refer to
page 129.
The system increases driving stability and driv‐
ing comfort.
Dynamic Drive The conceptDynamic Drive reduces the lateral inclination of
the vehicle that occurs during rapid driving in
curves or during quick evasive maneuvers.
Driving stability and driving comfort are in‐
creased under all driving conditions. The sys‐
tem utilizes active stabilizer bars on the front
and rear axles that react immediately to all driv‐
ing situations.
Programs
The system offers two different programs.
The programs can be selected via the Driving
Dynamics Control, refer to page 130.
SPORT Sporty tuning for greater driving agility.
COMFORT
Comfort-oriented tuning for optimal comfort.
Dynamic Damping Control
The concept This system reduces undesirable vehicle mo‐
tion when using a dynamic driving style or trav‐
eling on uneven road surfaces.
The system enhances driving dynamics and
comfort as required for the road surface and
driving style.
Programs The system offers several different programs.
The programs can be selected via the Driving
Dynamics Control, refer to page 130.
SPORT/SPORT+ Consistently sporty control of the shock ab‐
sorbers for greater driving agility.
COMFORT/ECO PRO
Balanced tuning between the COMFORT+ and
SPORT/SPORT+ programs.
COMFORT+
Comfort-oriented tuning of the shock absorb‐
ers for optimal traveling comfort.Seite 129Driving stability control systemsControls129
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