traction control BMW 550I 2014 Owners Manual

▷Shift out of P.
Engaging P
Press button P.Sport program and manual mode
Activating the sport program
Press the selector lever to the left out of selec‐
tor lever position D.
The engaged gear is displayed in the instru‐
ment cluster, e.g., S1.
The sport program of the transmission is acti‐
vated.
Activating the M/S manual mode
1.Press the selector lever to the left out of
selector lever position D.2.Push the selector lever forward or pull it
backward.
Manual mode becomes active and the gear is
changed.
The engaged gear is displayed in the instru‐
ment cluster, e.g., M1.
Once maximum engine speed is attained, M/S
manual mode is automatically upshifted as
needed.
Switching to manual mode▷To shift down: press the selector lever for‐
ward.▷To shift up: pull the selector lever rear‐
wards.
Gears will only be shifted at appropriate engine
and road speeds, e.g., downshifting is not pos‐
sible if the engine speed is too high.
The selected gear is briefly displayed in the in‐
strument cluster, followed by the current gear.
Not M550d xDrive: Sport automatic
transmission: prevent automatic
upshifting in M/S manual mode
For vehicles with Sport automatic transmis‐
sions, automatic shift operations are not per‐
formed, at maximum engine speed for exam‐
ple, if one of the following conditions is met:
▷DSC deactivated.▷TRACTION activated.▷SPORT+ activated.
In addition, the kickdown is deactivated.
M550d xDrive: prevent automatic
upshifting in M/S manual mode
Once maximum engine speed is attained, up‐
shifting is not automatically performed in M/S
manual mode.
In addition, the kickdown is deactivated.
The lowest possible gear is selected by simul‐
taneously operating the kickdown and the left
shift paddle.
However, this effect is not produced via the
shift paddles when switching briefly from D to
manual mode.
Ending the sport program/manual
mode
Push the selector lever to the right.
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D is displayed in the instrument cluster.Shift paddles
The shift paddles on the steering wheel allow
you to shift gears quickly while keeping both
hands on the steering wheel.
If the shift paddles on the steering wheel are
used to shift gears in automatic mode, the
transmission temporarily switches to manual
mode.
If the shift paddles are not used and the vehicle
is not accelerated for a certain time, the sys‐
tem switches back into automatic mode if the
selector lever is in selector lever position D.
▷Shift up: pull right shift paddle.▷Shift down: pull left shift paddle.
Gears will only be shifted at appropriate engine
and road speeds, for example downshifting is
not possible if the engine speed is too high.
The selected gear is briefly displayed in the in‐
strument cluster, followed by the current gear.
Displays in the instrument cluster The selector lever position is dis‐
played, e.g.: P.
Sport automatic transmission: Launch
Control
The concept
Launch Control enables optimum acceleration
on surfaces with good traction.
Hints
Component wear
Do not use Launch Control too often;
otherwise, this may result in premature wear of
components due to the high stress placed on
the vehicle.◀
Did not use Launch Control during the break-
in, refer to page 186, period.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC
again as soon as possible.
An experienced driver may be able to achieve better acceleration values in DSC OFF mode.
Requirements
Launch Control is available when the engine is
warmed up, that is, after uninterrupted driving
of at least 6 miles/10 km.
To start with Launch Control do not steer the
steering wheel.
Start with launch controlWhile the engine is running:1. Press button or select with the
Driving Dynamics Control Sport+.
TRACTION is displayed in the instrument
cluster and the indicator lamp for DSC OFF
lights up.2.Engage gear S.3.With the left foot, forcefully press down on
the brake.4.Press and hold down the accelerator pedal
beyond the resistance point at the full
throttle position.
A flag symbol appears in the instrument
cluster.5.The starting engine speed adjusts. Within
3 seconds, release the brake.
Before using Launch Control, allow the trans‐
mission to cool down for approx. 5 minutes.
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SymbolFunction or systemDSC Dynamic Stability Control or
DTC Dynamic Traction ControlTire Pressure Monitor.
Flat Tire Monitor.Safety belts.Airbag system.Steering system.Engine functions.Brake system.In Canadian models
Brake system.ABS Antilock Brake System.In Canadian models
ABS Antilock Brake System.At least one Check Control mes‐
sage is displayed or is stored.
Text messages
Text messages in combination with a symbol
in the instrument cluster explain a Check Con‐ trol message and the meaning of the indicator
and warning lamps.
Supplementary text messages
Additional information, such as on the cause of
a fault or the required action, can be called up
via Check Control.
The supplementary text of urgent messages is
automatically displayed on the Control Display.
Symbols
Depending on the Check Control message, the
following functions can be selected.▷ "Owner's Manual"
Display additional information about the
Check Control message in the Integrated
Owner's Manual.▷ "Service request"
Contact your service center.▷ "Roadside Assistance"
Contact Roadside Assistance.
Hiding Check Control messages
Press the onboard computer button on the
turn signal lever.
▷Some Check Control messages are dis‐
played continuously and are not cleared
until the malfunction is eliminated. If sev‐
eral malfunctions occur at once, the mes‐
sages are displayed consecutively.
These messages can be hidden for approx.
8 seconds. After this time, they are dis‐
played again automatically.▷Other Check Control messages are hidden
automatically after approx. 20 seconds.
They are stored and can be displayed
again later.Seite 86ControlsDisplays86
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Warning with braking function
Note Adapting your speed and driving styleThe 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 vehicle detected in this way
is imminent, a warning symbol appears on the
instrument cluster and in the Head-up Display.SymbolMeasureThe vehicle lights up red: prewarn‐
ing.
Increase braking and 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.
Braking intervention
The warning prompts the driver himself to in‐
tervene. During a warning, the maximum brak‐
ing force is used. A prerequisite for the brake
booster is a sufficiently fast and sufficiently
strong actuation of the brake pedal. In addition,
if there is a risk of collision, the system can as‐
sist with a slight braking intervention. The in‐ tervention 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 pedal or by actively
moving the steering wheel.
Tow-starting and towing
When tow-starting and towing the vehi‐
cle, switch off the Intelligent Safety systems;
otherwise, improper behavior of the braking
function of individual systems could result in
an accident.◀
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.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 button: the system is switched
off. The LED goes out.
Re-press button: the system is switched on.
The LED lights up.
Setting the prewarning time The prewarning time can be set via iDrive.
1."Settings"2."Frontal Coll. Warning"3.Activate the desired time on the Control
Display.
The selected time is stored for the remote
control currently in use.
Display
Warning stages
Prewarning
This warning is issued, for example, when there is the impending danger of a collision or
the distance to the vehicle ahead is too small.
Acute warning with braking function
Warning of the imminent danger of a collision
when the vehicle approaches another object at
a relatively high differential speed.
The driver must intervene actively when there
is an acute warning. If there is a possible risk of
collision, the driver is assisted by an automatic
braking intervention.
Please note the functional limitations of the au‐
tomatic braking intervention!
The braking intervention may be executed with
maximum braking force and for a brief period
only as necessary.
The intervention can bring the vehicle to a
complete stop.
The braking intervention is executed only if
DSC Dynamic Stability Control is switched on
and Dynamic Traction Control DTC is acti‐
vated.
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 pedal or by actively
moving the steering wheel.
Tow-starting and towing
When tow-starting and towing the vehi‐
cle, switch off the Intelligent Safety systems;
otherwise, improper behavior of the brakingSeite 116ControlsSafety116
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Press the button: the systems are switched off.
The LED lights up.
Warning with braking function
Note 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 a warning, the maximum brak‐
ing force is used. A prerequisite for the brake
booster is a sufficiently fast and sufficiently
strong actuation of the brake pedal. In addition,
if there is a risk of collision, the system can as‐
sist with a slight braking intervention. The in‐
tervention 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 pedal or by actively
moving the steering wheel.Tow-starting and towing
When tow-starting and towing the vehi‐
cle, switch off the Intelligent Safety systems;
otherwise, improper behavior of the braking
function of individual systems could result in
an accident.◀
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.▷Pedestrians that are not detected as such
because of the viewing angle or contour.▷Pedestrians outside of the detection range.▷Pedestrians having a body size less than
32 in/80 cm.
Functional limitations
The system may not be fully functional or may
not be available in the following situations:
▷In heavy fog, rain, sprayed water or snow‐
fall.▷In tight curves.▷If the camera view field or the front wind‐
shield are dirty or covered.▷When driving toward bright lights.▷Up to 10 seconds after the start of the en‐
gine, via the Start/Stop knob.Seite 119SafetyControls119
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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 to the 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.
Steering and, depending on the equipment,
the chassis are adjusted for sporty driving.
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.
Only use HDC in low gears or in selector lever
position D or R.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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Operating the programsPress the buttonProgramDSC OFF
TRACTIONSPORT+
SPORT
COMFORT
COMFORT+
ECO PRO
Automatic program change
The system may automatically switch to COM‐
FORT in the following situations:
▷Failure of Integral Active Steering.▷Failure of Dynamic Damping Control.▷The vehicle has a flat tire.
DSC OFF
When DSC OFF, refer to page 130, is active,
driving stability is limited during acceleration
and when driving in bends.
TRACTION When TRACTION is active, the vehicle has
maximum traction on loose road surfaces. DTC
Dynamic Traction Control, refer to page 130, is
activated. Driving stability is limited during ac‐
celeration and when driving in bends.
SPORT+
Sporty driving with optimized chassis and
adapted engine control with limited driving sta‐
bilization.
Dynamic Traction Control is switched on.
The driver handles several of the stabilization
tasks.
Activating SPORT+
Press the button repeatedly until
SPORT+ appears in the tachometer
and the DSC OFF indicator lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster.
Automatic program change
When switching on the adjustable speed limit
or activating cruise control, the program auto‐
matically switches to SPORT mode.
Indicator/warning lamps
SPORT+ is displayed in the instrument cluster.
The DSC OFF indicator lamp lights up:
Dynamic Traction Control is activated.
SPORT Consistently sporty tuning of the suspension
and engine control for greater driving agility
with maximum driving stabilization.
The program can be configured to individual
specifications.
The configuration is stored for the remote con‐
trol currently in use.
Activating SPORT Press the button repeatedly untilSPORT appears in the tachometer.
Configuring SPORT When the display is activated on the ControlDisplay, refer to page 135, the SPORT driving
mode can be set.
After the SPORT driving mode is activated, se‐
lect "Configure SPORT" on the displayed
panel and configure the program.
SPORT can also be configured before it is acti‐
vated:1."Settings"2."SPORT mode" or: "Driving mode"Seite 134ControlsDriving stability control systems134
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