traction control BMW 530I SEDAN 2004 E60 Owner's Manual

At a glance
13Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Indicator and warning
lamps
Technology that monitors itself
The indicator and warning lamps identified
by the
+ symbol are subjected to an oper-
ation check each time you switch on the
ignition or start the engine. They each light
up once for different periods of time.
When a malfunction occurs in a monitored
system, the corresponding lamp will either
fail to go out when the engine is started, or
it will come on again during normal driving.
For information on how you should respond
when this happens, please refer to the
pages indicated.
Colors
The indicator and warning lamps can light
up in different colors and combinations.
The following section explains the signifi-
cance of the individual colors as well as
how you should respond when they
appear.
>Red:
Stop immediately
or
important reminder
>Red and yellow:
Continue driving moderately
>Yellow:
Have checked soon
or
for your information
>Green or blue:
For your information.
Indicator and warning lamps of the
Check Control
Other indicator and warning lamps appear
in display 6 of the instrument cluster as
necessary, accompanied by supplemen-
tary text on the Control Display, refer to
Check Control, page 68. Turn signal indicators 56
Active steering
+82
Handbrake/brake fluid, brake
hydraulics/DBC Dynamic Brake
Control
+50/ 180/ 79
Handbrake/brake fluid, brake
hydraulics/DBC Dynamic Brake
Control for Canadian models
Airbags
+83
Service Engine Soon
+183
If the indicator lamp comes on
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a fault in the
emissions-related electronic sys-
tems. Although the vehicle
remains operational, you should
have the systems checked by your
BMW center at the earliest possi-
ble opportunity.
Service Engine Soon indicator
lamp for Canadian models.
Front fog lamps 89
ABS Antilock Brake System
+77
DTC Dynamic Traction Control79
High beams/headlamp flasher 88
Please fasten safety belt
+40
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control
+78
Check Gas Cap168
lamp for US models

Adjustments
44 to the standard position or stored memory
setting.
This automatic feature is governed by the
driver's door and the ignition lock.
Steering wheel heater*
The steering wheel heater operates when
the ignition is on.
Press the button to activate or deactivate
this system.
The indicator lamp within the button lights
up when the steering wheel heater is in
operation.
Programming button function
Depending on your vehicle's equipment,
you can assign an individual function to
each of the two programmable function
buttons
* on the steering wheel for each
specific key. This feature then provides you
with quick access to this function, allowing
you to control it without undue distraction
from road and traffic conditions.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16:
1.Open the menu
2.Select "Vehicle settings" and press the
controller
3.Select "Steering wheel buttons" and
press the controller A list with different functions is dis-
played:
>"Navigation"
Switching voice instructions on/off
>"Air recirculation on / off"
In this mode, you can block the sup-
ply of outside air, refer to AUC Auto-
matic recirculated-air control on
page 91
>"Mute on / off"
Mutes the audio sources
>"Screen on / off"
Switches the Control Display on/off
>"Next entertainment source"
Next audio source
>"Head-Up Display"
Switches the Head-Up Display
on/off
>"Horn"
*
4.Select the desired function and press
the controller.
.
5.If appropriate, select a button and press
the controller.
You can select the displayed function using
the button.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
78
CBC Cornering Brake Control
CBC is a supplement to ABS. It provides
further enhancements in vehicle stability
and steering response during lane changes
and cornering at high rates of lateral accel-
eration.
EBV Electronic Brake Force
Distribution
EBV controls the brake system's applica-
tion pressure at the rear wheels to ensure
stable deceleration.
In case of malfunction
If the brake system warning lamp
lights up in red, appearing together
with the yellow indicator lamps for
ABS and DSC:
The driving stability control has
failed.
If all three lamps light up yellow:
Fault in the driving stability control.
The EBV electronic brake-force distribution
is active.
While you may continue, you should
remember to proceed cautiously and drive
defensively while avoiding full brake appli-
cations.
Please have the system checked at the
nearest BMW center.
If a message appears on the Control Dis-
play, please note the supplementary infor-
mation.
You can find more information on the
Check Control starting on page 68.
Indicator and warning lamps for
Canadian models.
Driving stability control/
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control
The concept
DSC maintains vehicle stability, even in
critical driving situations.
The DSC is operational every time you start
the engine. DSC includes the functionality
of the DTC Dynamic Traction Control and
DBC Dynamic Brake Control, refer to
page 79.
The system optimizes vehicle stability dur-
ing acceleration and when starting from a
full stop, as well as optimizing traction. The
system recognizes any tendency for the
vehicle to assume an unstable attitude
such as oversteer or understeer; it then
counteracts this tendency with a combina-
tion of graduated reductions in engine
torque and selective braking intervention at
individual wheels. DSC provides optimal
stability within the limits defined by the
laws of physics.
Indicator lamps
The indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out soon after you start
the engine.
If the indicator lamp flashes:
DSC is regulating the drive and braking
forces.
If the indicator lamp lights up permanently:
DSC has been switched off using the but-
ton.
If the indicator lamp and the brake
warning lamp light up permanently:
Malfunction in DSC, DTC and DBC.
When the system is off, the stability main-
tenance functions described above are no
longer available. The vehicle will remain
completely operational, however, without
DSC.
Please respond to any malfunctions by
referring the problem to your BMW center.

Controls
79Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Indicator and warning lamps for
Canadian models.
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
In special driving states, e.g. in deep snow,
DTC ensures maximum forward momen-
tum. The gain in forward momentum also
involves a reduction in driving stability.
DTC is active up to 45 mph/70 km/h.
Activating DTC
Press the DSC button briefly; the
DTC indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up permanently.
You may find it useful to briefly activate
DTC under the following special circum-
stances:
>When rocking the vehicle and starting
off in deep snow or on loose road sur-
faces
>When ascending snow-covered hills,
and when driving in deep or on hard-
packed snow
>When driving with snow chains.
When DTC is active, DSC provides
only limited system response up to a
speed of approx. 45 mph/70 km/h. Control
intervention for stability-enhancement is
reduced.<
Deactivating DTC again
Press the DSC button again; the DTC indi-
cator lamp in the instrument cluster goes
out. DSC is available once again without
restriction.
Deactivating DSC
Press the DSC button for at least 3 sec-
onds; the DSC indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up permanently. DSC is
deactivated.
Deactivating DSC automatically deacti-
vates DTC as well. The systems for
enhancing stability and traction are deacti-
vated, and there is no active braking inter-
vention or torque control.
A message appears on the Control Display.
Please note any supplementary information
that appears there.
To maintain optimal stability, drive
with the system on whenever possi-
ble.<
Reactivating DSC
Press the DSC button again briefly; the
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
goes out. DSC is now activated.
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with DSC. An appro-
priate driving style always remains the
responsibility of the driver. Therefore, do
not reduce the additional safety margin
again by taking risks.
Do not make any modifications to the DSC
system. Never allow anyone other than
authorized professional technicians to
carry out service or repairs on the DSC sys-
tem.<
DBC Dynamic Brake Control
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this
system automatically produces the maxi-
mum braking force boost and thus helps to
achieve the shortest possible braking dis-

Mobility
173Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
dently of the fact that tires can reach an age
of 10 years.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where appli-
cable on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For
example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Treadwear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform
to Federal Safety Requirements in
addition to these grades.<
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rat-
ing based on the wear rate of the tire when
tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear
one and one-half (1 g) 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,
however, and may depart significantly from
the norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics 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 govern-
ment test surfaces 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 brak-
ing traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.<
Temperature
The temperature grades are A Ð the
highest Ð B, and C, representing the tire's
resistance to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and
reduce tire life, and excessive temperature
can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C
corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A repre-
sent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive load-
ing, either separately or in combination,
can cause heat buildup and possible tire
failure.<
RSC Ð Run-flat tires
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the
side of the tire, refer to page 175.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than
summer tires.
Tire condition
Inspect your tires frequently for treadwear,
signs of damage and for foreign objects
lodged in the tread. Check the tread depth.
Tire tread
The tread depth should not drop below
0.12 in/3 mm, although, for example, Euro-
pean legislation only specifies a minimum
tread depth of 0.063 in/1.6 mm. At tread
depths below 0.12 in/3 mm there is an
increased risk of high-speed hydroplaning,

Mobility
175Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
approves them. You can find out about
these at specialized dealers or at your
BMW center. Observe any country-specific
regulations, e.g. on making a correspond-
ing entry in the vehicle documents.
The factory-mounted tires have been spe-
cially selected to provide optimized perfor-
mance when installed on your vehicle; if
properly cared for, they will provide a com-
bination of safety and excellent ride com-
fort.
Run-flat tires
If your BMW is equipped with run-flat tires,
refer to Run-flat tires, only use these tires,
as in the event of a breakdown there is no
spare wheel available.
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.
When switching to winter tires, observe the
descriptions at Tire condition and Replac-
ing wheels/tires, refer to pages 173
and 174.
Run-flat tires
If your BMW is equipped with run-flat tires,
refer to Run-flat tires. Your BMW center will
advise you if you wish to replace the tires of
your BMW or wish to switch from summer
to winter tires or vice versa.
If you switch from summer to winter tires,
or vice versa, use run-flat tires, as in the
event of a flat there is no spare wheel avail-
able.
Observing speed ratings
Never exceed the maximum speed for
which the winter tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to ser-
vice tires can lead to damage and acci-
dents. Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. The technicians at your BMW center will be glad to assist you with
the required professional knowledge and
specialized equipment.<
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as pos-
sible. Always protect tires against all con-
tact with oil, grease and fuels. Do not
exceed the maximum tire inflation pressure
indicated on the side wall of the tire.
Run-flat tires*
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the
side of the tire. Run-flat tires consist of self-
contained tires and special rims. The tire
reinforcement ensures that the tire retains
some residual safety in the event of pres-
sure drop and driving remains possible to a
restricted degree.
If you switch from summer to winter
tires, or vice versa, use run-flat tires,
as in the event of a breakdown there is no
spare wheel available. In this case, BMW
recommends that you consult your BMW
center. Your BMW center is qualified to
handle run-flat tires and equipped with the
necessary special tools.<
Continuing driving with a damaged
tire
Driving on run-flat tires can continue,
depending on the vehicle load and the
severity of the tire damage, at a maximum
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
In the case of complete tire pressure loss,
0 psi/0 kPa, or obvious tire damage, you

Everything from A to Z
206 Directory for navigation,
refer to Address
book 120
Disc brakes 107
Displacement, refer to
Engine data 198
Display lighting 88
Displays
Ð refer to Cockpit 10
Ð refer to Control Display 17
Ð refer to Instrument
cluster 12
Displays on the windshield,
refer to Head-Up
Display 85
Disposal
Ð brake fluid 180
Ð coolant 179
Ð engine oil 179
Ð vehicle battery 189
Distance, refer to
Computer 71
Distance cruise control,
refer to Active cruise
control 59
"Distance to destin.Ò 71
Distance to destination,
refer to Computer 71
Distance warning, refer to
Park Distance Control 76
Divided rear seat back,
refer to Fold down rear
seat 101
Door entry lighting 89
Door keys 26
Door lock 29
"Door locks" 28
Doors
Ð manual operation 29
Ð remote control 28
DOT Quality Grades 173
Draft-free ventilation 94
"Driver" 42
"Driver's door only" 28
Driving light, refer to
Parking lamps/low
beams 87
Driving notes 106
Driving stability control 78
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes 106Dry air, refer to Cooling
function 91
Drying the air, refer to
Cooling function 91
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 78
Ð indicator lamp 78
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control 79
Ð indicator lamp 79
DVD for navigation 114
Dynamic Brake Control 79
Ð indicator lamp 79
Dynamic Driving Control 54
"Dynamic route" for
navigation 121
Dynamic Stability
Control 78
Ð indicator lamp 78
Dynamic Traction
Control 79
Ð indicator lamp 79
E
EBV Electronic Brake Force
Distribution 78
"Edit" on the portable
phone 154
Electrical malfunction
Ð door lock 29
Ð fuel filler door 168
Ð glass roof 35
Ð luggage compartment
lid 31
Electrical power windows,
refer to Windows 33
Electronic Brake
Force Distribution EBV 78
Electronic Stability
Program ESP, refer to
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 78
Emergency assistance,
refer to Roadside
Assistance 191
Emergency call 190
Emergency operation, refer
to Manual operationEmergency release of
luggage compartment lid
from luggage
compartmentÕs interior 32
Emergency services, refer
to Roadside
Assistance 191
"Emission inspect." 67, 67
"Enable services" 162
"End call" 154
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control 66
Energy Control 66
Engine
Ð breaking-in
procedure 106
Ð data 198
Ð speed 198
Ð starting 49
Engine compartment 178
Engine coolant 179
Engine hood 177
Engine oil
Ð adding 179
Ð checking the oil level 178
Ð prescribed oils 179
Engine output, refer to
Engine data 198
Engine speed 198
"Enter address" 116
Entering destination 117
Entering house number or
intersection 117
Entering switch-on times of
independent ventilation/
heating 95
Entering the address 116
Entering the
intersection 117
Entering the town/city for
navigation 117
Entering zip code for
navigation 117
"Entertainment" 130
"Entertainment
settings" 131
"Equalizer" 133
"Equalizer", audio
systems 131

Everything from A to Z
214 TeleService 161
Ð enabling 161
Ð services offered 162
Temperature display
Ð ice warning 65
Ð outside temperature 65
Ð setting the units 74
"Terminate services" 165
"Text language" 74
The BMW Maintenance
System 181
Tightening torque, refer to
Tightening lug bolts 188
Tilt function, passenger-
side mirror 39
"Time" 74
"Time 1" for independent
ventilation 95
"Time 2" for independent
ventilation 95
Timer, refer to Preselecting
switch-on time 95
Tire pressure monitoring,
refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 80
Tire Quality Grading 173
Tires
Ð age 172
Ð changing 174
Ð condition 173
Ð damage 174
Ð flat 187
Ð inflation pressure 170
Ð pressure monitoring 80
Ð replacing 187
Ð run-flat 175
Ð size 172
Ð tread 173
Ð wear indicators 174
Tone control 131
Tone on locking/
unlocking 28
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit 184
"Top 8" for portable
phone 155
Torque 198
Ð lug bolts 188
Touch tone dialing 156
Tow fitting 193Towing
Ð with automatic
transmission 193
Ð with sequential manual
transmission SMG 193
Towing eye 193
Tow sockets for tow
fitting 194
Tracks
Ð random play
sequence 142, 146
Ð sample scan 142, 145
Track width, refer to
Dimensions 199
Traction Control System,
refer to DSC 78
Transmission
Ð automatic transmission
with Steptronic 54
Ð manual transmission 51
Ð Sequential manual
transmission SMG 51
Transporting children
safely 45
Transport securing device,
refer to Securing the
load 109
Tread depth, refer to Tire
tread 173
"Treble", audio
systems 132
"Trip computer" 72
Trip computer 71
Trip-distance counter, refer
to Trip odometer 65
"Triple turn signal
activation" 56
Trip odometer 65
Trunk lid, refer to Luggage
compartment lid 31
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions 199
Turn signal indicators 56
Ð replacing the bulbs 185
U
Underbody protection,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochureUniform Tire Quality
Grading 173
"Units" 74
Units
Ð average fuel
consumption 74
Ð temperature 74
Universal garage-door
opener, refer to
Integrated universal
remote control 96
Universal remote
control 96
Unlock code 152
Unlocking
Ð engine hood 177
Ð from inside 30
Ð from outside 27
"Update services" 165
V
Valve stem seal caps 188
Vehicle
Ð battery 188
Ð care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Ð dimensions 199
Ð loading 108
Ð parking 50
Ð washing, refer to Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Ð weights 200
Vehicle jack 187
Vehicle position 115
"Vehicle settings" 38
Ventilation 94
Ð draft-free 94
Ð front 94
Ð rear 94
Ventilation while parked 94
"Vent settings" 92
Vents of the automatic
climate control 90
Voice command system 20
Voice instructions for
navigation system 124
Ð muting 125
Ð repeating 125
Ð switching on/off 124
Ð volume 125