ESP BMW 525I 2004 User Guide

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You can also adjust the mirrors manually by
pressing against the outer edges of their
lenses.
Storing the mirror positions, refer to Seat,
mirror and steering wheel memory on
page 38.
The mirror on the passenger's side
features a lens with a more convex
surface than the mirror installed on the
driver's side. When estimating the distance
between yourself and other traffic, bear in
mind that the objects reflected in the mirror
are closer than they appear. This means
that estimations of the distance to following
traffic should not be regarded as precise.<
Self-defrosting mirrors
Both exterior mirrors are automatically
heated in ignition key position 2.
Interior rearview mirror
To reduce the dazzle effect of following
vehicles at night, turn the knob beneath the
mirror.
Interior and exterior mirrors,
automatic dimming feature*
These mirrors automatically respond to
ambient light and headlamp glare from fol-lowing vehicles by automatically dimming
through an infinitely-variable range.There
are two photocells located in the interior
rearview mirror for this purpose. One is
integrated within the mirror's lens, while
the other is located at an offset position on
the rear of the mirror housing.
The mirrors automatically revert to their
clear, undimmed mode whenever you
engage reverse gear or place the selector
lever into position R.
For trouble-free operation, keep the
photocells clean and do not cover the
area between the interior rearview mirror
and the windshield. Do not attach any kind
of stickers on the windshield in front of the
mirror.<
Steering wheel adjustment
Do not adjust the steering wheel while
the vehicle is moving. There is a risk
of accident from unexpected movement.<
The steering wheel can be adjusted in any
of four directions by pressing the appropri-
ate end of the button.
Storing steering wheel positions, refer to
Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory on
page 38.
Automatic steering wheel
adjustment
In conjunction with seat, mirror and steer-
ing wheel memory.
The steering wheel automatically moves as
high up and far forward as possible to ease
driver entry and exit before then returning

Transporting children safely
46
Installing child-restraint
systems
Before installing any child-restraint system
or child seat, read the following:
Observe the child-restraint system
manufacturer's instructions for instal-
lation and use. Otherwise the degree of
protection can be reduced.
Following an accident, have all parts of the
affected vehicle safety-belt system
checked and, if necessary, replaced by a
BMW center.<
Commercially-available child-restraint sys-
tems are designed to be secured with a lap
belt or with the lap belt portion of a combi-
nation 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
passenger's safety belt can be locked for
mounting and securing child-restraint sys-
tems.
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 anchor-
age points have been provided, refer to the
arrows in the illustration. Depending on the
location selected for sitting in the rear pas-
senger area, attach the tether strap to the
corresponding anchorage point to secure
the child-restraint system, as shown in the
illustration below.
Each sitting position is fitted with a head
restraint.
Outer seating 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 seating position:
Pull the center armrest forward somewhat
to guide the tether strap through the open-
ing. Then reengage the center armrest.

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Driving
Ignition lock
0 Steering locked
The key can only be inserted or removed in
this position.
After removing the key, turn the steering
wheel slightly until it locks.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
only move the selector lever from
position P with the engine running. To turn
the key back to position 0 or to remove it,
first place the selector lever in position P:
Interlock.<
1 Steering unlocked
A slight steering wheel movement often
makes it easier to turn the key from 0 to 1.
Individual current consumers are ready for
operation.
2 Ignition switched on
All vehicle systems are ready for operation.
3 Start engine
Starting the engine
Do not run the engine in closed
rooms, as otherwise the inhaling of
toxic exhaust gases can cause uncon-
sciousness and death. The exhaust gases
contain carbon monoxide, an odorless and
colorless, but highly toxic gas. Never leave
an unattended vehicle with the engine run-ning, as such a vehicle represents a poten-
tial safety hazard.<
Do not allow the engine to warm up by
leaving it running while the vehicle remains
stationary. Instead, begin to drive immedi-
ately at a moderate engine speed.
When starting the engine, do not press the
accelerator pedal.
Your BMW is equipped with the con-
venience starting feature. Here, it is
sufficient to turn the ignition key only briefly
to position 3 'Start engine' and to let go of it
right away. The system responds by auto-
matically engaging the starter for a certain
period and allowing it to run until the engine
starts, after which it then disengages auto-
matically. The automatic starting mode will
not operate or will be canceled if the bat-
tery voltage is low. The engine can be
started by jump-starting, refer to
page 192.<
Press the accelerator pedal halfway down
when starting if
>the engine fails to start on the first
attempt, for instance, if it is very hot or
cold
>the engine is started at very low tem-
peratures, as of approx. +5 7/Ð156,
at high altitudes over approx. 3,300 ft/
1,000 m.
Avoid frequent starting in quick suc-
cession or repeated start attempts in
which the engine does not start. Otherwise,
the fuel is not burned or inadequately
burned and there is a danger of overheat-
ing and damaging the catalytic converter. 1.Apply the handbrake
2.Gearshift lever in idle position
3.Press the clutch pedal
4.Start the engine.
Before leaving the vehicle with the
engine running, place the gearshift

Driving
54
Dynamic Driving Control
With Dynamic Driving Control, you can
choose between a standard and a sport
program.
Sport program
>The engine responds more spontane-
ously to accelerator pedal movements
>The steering becomes more direct and
provides even better road contact.
In addition, with SMG and an automatic
transmission:
>The shifting times are shorter
>The engine speed range is used opti-
mally in the Drive mode.
Activating the Sport program
In ignition key position 2.
Press the SPORT button.
The LED in the button lights up.
With an automatic transmission:
Activating the Dynamic Driving Con-
trol activates the Sport program of the
automatic transmission. This makes mov-
ing the selector lever form D to M/S unnec-
essary.<
Deactivating the Sport program
Press the SPORT button again.
The LED in the button goes out.
Acceleration assistant with SMG
The acceleration assistant enables opti-
mized vehicle acceleration at racing car
level on road surfaces with good adhesion.Do not use the acceleration assistant
too often, as otherwise components
will wear prematurely.<
1.Activate the Sport program
2.Press the DSC button, refer to page 79,
for longer than three seconds
3.Press the accelerator pedal down fully Ð
kickdown. The ideal starting-off engine
speed is set.
To maintain driving stability, drive
with the DSC on whenever possible.<
Information on jump-starting and towing
begins on page 192.
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic*
While you can drive as with any conven-
tional automatic transmission, you also
enjoy the option of shifting manually, refer
to page 55.
If you move the selector lever from posi-
tion D to the left into gearshift gate M/S,
this activates the sports-style shift pro-
grams of the automatic transmission. As
soon as you move the selector lever slightly
towards + or Ð, the Steptronic shifts gear
and manual operation is activated. If you
wish to use the automatic function again,
move the selector lever to the right into
position D.
Selector-lever positions
P R N D M/S + Ð
Possible displays
P R N D DS M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 M6

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Wiper system
1Normal wiper speed: briefly press once.
The system automatically reverts to
operation in the intermittent mode
whenever the vehicle stops.
Fast wiper speed: briefly press twice or
press beyond the resistance point.
The system automatically reverts to
operation in the standard wipe mode
whenever the vehicle stops
2To switch off wipers or for brief wipe
3To activate/deactivate rain sensor
4To clean windshield and headlamps
5To adjust rain sensor sensitivity level
The lever automatically returns to its initial
position when released.
Cleaning the windshield and
headlamps*
The system sprays washer fluid against the
windshield and activates the wipers for a
brief period.
When the vehicle lighting system is
switched on, the headlamps are also
cleaned at regular and appropriate inter-
vals.
Do not use the washers if there is any
danger that the fluid will freeze on the
windshield. If you do so, your vision could
be obscured. To avoid freezing, use a
washer fluid antifreeze, refer to Washer
fluid.
Avoid activating the washer when the
reservoir is empty, as damage to the pump
could result.<
Windshield washer nozzles
The windshield washer nozzles are auto-
matically heated in ignition key position 2.
Rain sensor
The rain sensor controls windshield wipe
operation depending on the amount of rain.
The rain sensor is located on the wind-
shield, directly in front of the interior rear-
view mirror.
Activating the rain sensor
As of ignition key position 1, briefly press
the button. The indicator lamp in the button
lights up. The wipers will always respond
by completing at least one sweep of the
windshield.
Adjusting rain sensor sensitivity level
Turn the serrated dial 5.
Deactivating the rain sensor
Briefly press the button again. The indica-
tor lamp goes out.
The rain sensor is automatically deacti-
vated when you switch off the ignition.
Deactivate the rain sensor when
passing through an automatic car
wash. Failure to do so could result in dam-
age caused by undesired wiper activa-
tion.<
Washer fluid
Washer fluid antifreeze is flammable.
Always keep it well away from sparks
and open flames, and store it in tightly
closed containers well out of the reach of

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>when you press the clutch or engage
position N of the automatic transmis-
sion
>when the DSC system is in active oper-
ation.
4 Recalling stored speed
Press button 4 briefly: the vehicle acceler-
ates to and maintains the last speed stored.
Deactivating system
When the ignition is switched off, the sys-
tem is deactivated and the stored speed is
deleted.
Displays in the instrument cluster
1Stored desired speed display
2Digital speed display.
Appears briefly when you select your
desired speed.
Active cruise control*
The concept
With active cruise control you can select a
desired speed which is not only automati-
cally maintained when driving on open
roadways, but also varied to maintain a
selected distance setting as slower traffic
is encountered.
Active cruise control is a technological
advance over the familiar cruise control
and is a welcome relief from the constant
adjustment of speed that can accompany
driving in traffic on freeways or other high-
speed thoroughfares. Especially on longer
trips, the system can reduce fatigue and
tension, while increasing your enjoyment of driving. Please use it safely and responsi-
bly.
In addition to holding a steady cruising
speed, if you do encounter slower vehicles
ahead, active cruise control will, within the
scope of given possibilities, adjust your
vehicleÕs speed automatically so that you
can flow with the traffic without frequent
intervention by the driver. If, for example,
while cruising at the selected speed, you
begin to approach a slower vehicle ahead
of you in the same lane, the system will
reduce your vehicle's speed to the same as
that of the vehicle ahead to maintain your
selected distance setting between your
vehicle and the vehicle ahead. There are
four settings for distance, which is addi-
tionally speed-dependent. Based on your
selected distance setting, the system auto-
matically decreases the throttle setting and
lightly applies the brakes if necessary. The
vehicle brake lamps will automatically illu-
minate to signal a following driver to take
action. In addition, it may be necessary for
the vehicle to downshift to maintain the dis-
tance setting selected. If the vehicle ahead
speeds up or when the lane ahead
becomes clear, your vehicle will accelerate
to the speed you have selected by increas-
ing the throttle setting and shifting gears as
needed.
Active cruise control is not and must
not be used as a collision avoidance/
warning system.<
Since this active cruise control sys-
tem is a new technology and operates
differently from conventional cruise control
systems which you may be accustomed,
you are strongly urged to read all of the
pages relating to this system before use.
Pay special attention to the information
contained in the Things to know about
active cruise control section in this manual
beginning on page 62.<

Driving
62
5 Select distance
You can choose from four distance steps.
>Rotary switch downward:
Decrease distance.
>Rotary switch upward:
Increase distance.
The selected distance is displayed in the
instrument 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 judgment to select the
appropriate following distance given
road conditions, traffic, applicable laws
and driving recommendations for safe fol-
lowing distance.<
Things to know about active cruise control
As with conventional cruise control
systems, active cruise control in no
way diminishes or substitutes for the
driverÕs own personal responsibility, alert-
ness and awareness in adjusting speed,
braking or otherwise controlling the vehi-
cle. The driver should decide when to use
the system on the basis of road, traffic, vis-
ibility, and weather conditions. Active
cruise control is intended for use on high-
way-type roadways where traffic is moving
relatively smoothly. Do not use this system
in city driving; heavy traffic such as during rush hour; on curvy, winding roads, slip-
pery roads or roads with sharp curves such
as highway off-ramps; during inclement
weather such as snow, strong rain or fog;
or when entering interchanges, service/
parking areas or toll booths. It is also
important to regulate your vehicle's speed
and distance setting within applicable legal
limits. Always be ready to take action or
apply the brakes if necessary, especially
when the system is actively following a
vehicle in front of you.<

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Always remember that the range and
ability of the system does have phys-
ical limitations. It will not apply the brakes
or decelerate your vehicle when there is a
slow-moving vehicle, stopped vehicle or
stationary object ahead of you, as for
example, at a traffic light or a parked vehi-
cle. Also, the system does not react to
oncoming traffic, pedestrians or other type
of potential traffic such as a rider on horse-
back. It is also possible that the system
may not detect smaller moving objects
such as motorcycles or bicycles. Be espe-
cially alert when encountering any of these
situations as the system will neither auto-
matically brake, nor provide a warning to
you. Also, be aware that every decrease in
the distance setting allows your vehicle to
come closer to a vehicle in front of you and
requires a heightened amount of alert-
ness.<
If while your vehicle is actively following a
vehicle in front of you and the vehicle
ahead speeds up or the lane ahead
becomes clear, then your vehicle will
accelerate to the speed you have selected.
Be aware that changing to a clear, unob-
structed lane will also result in your vehicle
accelerating.
Be certain to deactivate the system
when you pull into an exit lane for a
highway off-ramp.<
Also, vehicles traveling in a staggered man-
ner on a highway may cause a delay in the
system's reaction to a vehicle in front of
you or may cause the system to react to a
vehicle actually in the lane next to you.
Always be ready to take action or apply the
brakes if necessary.
Active cruise control can only decelerate
the vehicle to approx. 20 mph/30 km/h. If
the system reduces vehicle speed below
20 mph/30 km/h or if DSC/ABS is engaged
while driving, the system will automatically
deactivate.
Remember, the system cannot stop
your vehicle. In addition, the system is
deactivated whenever the driver applies
the vehicle brakes, shifts the transmission
from drive/D to neutral/N, or deactivates DSC. After any deactivation, the system
will no longer automatically activate the
vehicle brakes, which means the driver
must intervene and resume manual brak-
ing. You should then reactivate the system
only when you are fully aware of the prior
speed and distance settings.<
Active cruise control may brake when you
reduce the stored desired speed; however,
the driver must constantly monitor traffic
and intervene if necessary.
When you switch off the engine or ignition,
active cruise control is fully switched off,
too, and any settings you have selected are
canceled.
Behavior in curves
Because of the limited range of the system,
it is possible that in curves or on the peaks
and valleys of hilly roads, a vehicle ahead
may be recognized late, or not at all. There-
fore, it is up to the driver to select a speed
that is prudent in view of the curves and
terrain of the roadway.
In approaching a curve, it is possible that
active cruise control would react briefly to a
vehicle in the adjacent lane. In addition, the
system can sense if your vehicle is in a
curve and may not accelerate. If your vehi-
cle decelerates in either case, you can

Everything under control
68
Check Control
Display of a message
1 means that a Check Control mes-
sage is present
2Information and malfunction reports on
systems are indicated by an illuminated
indicator or warning lamp symbol
At the same time, a gong sounds and a text
message appears on the Control Display.
Messages are assigned one of two priority
ratings:
Priority 1
These messages and malfunction reports
are signaled by a gong. If a number of mal-
functions occur simultaneously, they are
displayed in succession. These messages
cannot be deleted, and they remain on the
display until the problem is corrected. Sup-
plementary information can also appear on
the Control Display. These supplementary messages are
intended to assist you in assessing the
severity of malfunctions; they provide you
with the information you need to decide on
the best way to respond.
To exit the menu:
Select and press the controller.
Priority 2
These status messages and malfunction
reports are indicated by the gong and dis-
played for approx. 20 seconds.
To hide a displayed message: briefly press
the CHECK button on the turn signal indi-
cator lever.
Check Control symbol and
information on the Control Display
Depending on the status of the monitored
systems, various symbols are displayed on
the Control Display:
No malfunctions are present in the
monitored systems.
One or several faults have occurred in
the monitored systems.
Depending upon how serious the
problem is, a supplementary mes-
sage may also appear on the Control Dis-
play.

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ence of objects in green before they are
close enough to generate a signal tone.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16:
1.Open the start menu by pressing the
button
2.Open the menu by pressing the con-
troller
3.Select "Vehicle settings" and press the
controller
4.Select "PDC" and press the controller
5.Select "Monitor display on" and press
the controller.
is displayed with the PDC image
switched on.
The display then appears on the Control
Display as soon as PDC is automatically
activated.
The previous display automatically reap-
pears after the system is deactivated.
Limits of the system
Even with PDC, final responsibility for
estimating the distance between the
vehicle and any obstructions always
remains with the driver. Even when sensors are involved, there is a blind spot in which
objects cannot be detected. The system is
also subject to the physical limits that apply
to all forms of ultrasonic measurement,
such as those encountered with thin and
wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low objects
already displayed, e.g. a curb, can also dis-
appear from the detection area of the sen-
sors again before a continuous tone
sounds.
Loud noises from outside and inside your
vehicle may prevent you from hearing the
PDC signal tone.<
Keep the sensors clean and free of ice
or snow in order to ensure that they
will continue to operate effectively.
Do not apply high pressure spray to the
sensors for a prolonged period of time.
Keep the spray at least 4 in/10 cm away
from the sensors.<
Driving stability control/
ABS Antilock Brake System
Your BMW is equipped with an extended
array of systems designed to enhance and
maintain vehicle stability under extreme
conditions. The following section describes
these functions based on ABS and DSC.
The concept
ABS enhances active safety by preventing
the wheels from locking under braking.
The ABS is operational every time you start
the engine. ABS includes the functions
CBC Cornering Brake Control and EBV
Electronic Brake Force Distribution.
In case of malfunction
If the indicator lamp lights up in yel-
low, this indicates that ABS has
been deactivated in response to a
system malfunction. Conventional braking
efficiency remains available without limita-
tions. Please have the system inspected at
your BMW center.