BMW 550I XDRIVE 2013 Owners Manual

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 down‐
hill 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 ap‐
prox. 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 ve‐
hicle during this time.
Use HDC in low gears or in transmission position
D or R only.
Increasing or decreasing vehicle speed
Specify desired speed in the range from approx.
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 gradually.▷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 ap‐
prox. 4 mph/6 km/h.
Activating HDC
Press the button; the LED above the but‐
ton lights up.
Deactivating HDC Press the button again and the LED goes
out. HDC is automatically deactivated
above approx. 37 mph/60 km/h.
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Display in the instrument clusterThe 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 122▷Dynamic Damping Control, refer to
page 122
The system increases driving stability and driv‐
ing comfort.
Dynamic Drive
The concept
Dynamic 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 system
utilizes active stabilizer bars on the front and rear
axles that react immediately to all driving situa‐
tions.
Programs
The system offers two different programs.
The programs can be selected via the Driving
Dynamics Control, refer to page 123.
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 123.
SPORT / SPORT+
Consistently sporty control of the shock absorb‐
ers for greater driving agility.
COMFORT / ECO PRO
Balanced tuning between the COMFORT+ and
SPORT or SPORT+ programs.
COMFORT+
Comfort-oriented tuning of the shock absorbers
for optimal traveling comfort.
Integral Active Steering
The concept
Integral Active Steering is a combination of Ac‐
tive Steering and rear axle steering.
Active Steering varies the steering angle of the
wheels in relation to the steering wheel move‐
ment as a function of the speed.Seite 122ControlsDriving stability control systems122
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At speeds up to approx. 37 mph/60 km/h, e.g.,
in curves, the steering angle is increased, i.e.,
steering becomes more direct.
The rear axle steering acts to increase maneu‐
verability by turning the rear wheels slightly in a
direction opposite to the front wheels.
At higher speeds, the steering angle is increas‐
ingly reduced.
The rear wheels are turned to the same angle as
the front wheels.
In critical situations, Integral Active Steering can
specifically steer the front and rear wheels to
stabilize the vehicle before the driver intervenes,
e.g., when braking where road conditions differ
on the left and right sides of the vehicle.
Initializing
In rare cases, it may become necessary to initi‐
alize the Integral Active Steering.
The warning lamp lights up. A Check
Control message is displayed.1.With the engine running, turn the steering
wheel all the way to the left and right several
times in a uniform manner until the warning
lamp disappears.2.Have the system checked if the warning
lamp does not go out after moving the steer‐
ing wheel approx. 6 times or if the steering
wheel is at an angle.
Using snow chains
Ensure that the rear axle steering is deactivated
when using snow chains, refer to page 203.
Programs
The system offers several different programs.
The programs can be selected via the Driving
Dynamics Control, refer to page 123.
SPORT
Consistently sporty tuning of the Integral Active
Steering for greater driving agility.
COMFORT
Balanced tuning of the Integral Active Steering
for optimal traveling comfort.
Malfunction
In the event of a malfunction, the steering wheel
must be turned further, while the vehicle re‐
sponds more sensitively to steering wheel
movements in the higher speed range.
The stability-enhancing intervention may be de‐
activated.
Proceed cautiously and drive defensively.
Have the system checked.
Driving Dynamics Control
The concept
The Driving Dynamics Control can be used to
adjust the driving dynamics of the vehicle. For
this purpose various programs are available for
selection that are activated via the two buttons
of the Driving Dynamics Control and the DSC
OFF-button.
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.Seite 123Driving stability control systemsControls123
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▷The vehicle has a flat tire.
DSC OFF
When DSC OFF, refer to page 120, is active,
driving stability is limited during acceleration
and when driving in bends.
TRACTION
When TRACTION is active, the vehicle has max‐
imum traction on loose road surfaces. DTC Dy‐
namic Traction Control, refer to page 120, is ac‐
tivated. Driving stability is limited during
acceleration 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 automat‐
ically 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 until
SPORT appears in the tachometer.
Configuring SPORT
When the display is activated on the Control
Display, refer to page 125, 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"3.Configure driving mode.
This configuration is retrieved when the SPORT
driving mode is activated.
COMFORT
For a balanced tuning with maximum driving sta‐
bilization.
Activating COMFORT Press the button repeatedly until the
program display in the tachometer
goes out.
In certain situations, the system automatically
changes to the NORMAL program, automatic
program change, refer to page 123.
COMFORT+
Comfort-oriented tuning of the shock absorbers
and adapted engine control for optimal traveling
comfort with maximum driving stabilization.
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Activating COMFORT+Press the button repeatedly until COM‐
FORT+ appears in the tachometer.
ECO PRO
ECO PRO, refer to page 179, provides consis‐
tent tuning to minimize fuel consumption for
maximum range with maximum driving stabili‐
zation.
Comfort functions and the engine controller are
adjusted.
The program can be configured to individual
specifications.
Activating ECO PRO Press button repeatedly until ECO PRO
is displayed in the instrument cluster.
Configuring ECO PRO1.Activate ECO PRO.2."Configure ECO PRO"
Make the desired settings.
Configure driving mode
Settings can be made for the following driving
modes in Driving mode:
▷SPORT mode, refer to page 124.▷ECO PRO mode, refer to page 180.Displays in the instrument cluster
Selected program The selected program is dis‐
played in the tachometer.
Program selection Pressing the button displays a list
of the selectable programs.
Display on the Control Display
Program changes can be displayed briefly on
the Control Display.
To do so, make the following settings:1."Settings"2."Driving mode"3."Driving mode info"Seite 125Driving stability control systemsControls125
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Driving comfortVehicle equipment
All standard, country-specific and optional
equipment that is offered in the model series is
described in this chapter. Therefore, equipment
is also described that is not available in a vehicle,
e. g., because of the selected optional equip‐
ment or country variant. This also applies for
safety-related functions and systems.
Active Cruise Control with
Stop & Go function, ACC
The concept
This system can be used to select a desired
speed that the vehicle will maintain automati‐
cally on clear roads.
To the extent possible, the system automatically
adjusts the speed to a slower vehicle ahead of
you.
The distance that the vehicle maintains to the
vehicle ahead of you can be varied.
For safety reasons, it depends on the speed.
To maintain a certain distance, the system au‐
tomatically decelerates, applies the brakes
lightly, or accelerates again if the vehicle ahead
begins moving faster.
If the vehicle ahead of you brakes to a halt, the
system is able to detect this within the given
system limits. If the vehicle ahead of your drives
away again from a halt, your vehicle is able to
accelerate if operated accordingly.
Even if some time passes before the vehicle
drives away again, the BMW can still be accel‐
erated automatically and simply.
As soon as the road is clear, it accelerates to the
desired speed.
The speed is also maintained on downhill gra‐
dients, but may not be maintained on uphill
slopes if engine power is insufficient.Notes
Personal responsibility
The system does not relieve the driver of
the responsibility to adapt his or her speed, dis‐
tance and driving style to the traffic conditions.
You should drive attentively and intervene ac‐
tively when necessary, e.g. by braking or making
an evasive maneuver, otherwise, there is danger
of an accident.◀
At a glance
Buttons on the steering wheel1System on/off, interrupt2Resume speed3Store speed4Reduce distance5Store, maintain/change speed6Increase distance
Radar sensor
A radar sensor is located in the front bumper for
detecting vehicles on the road ahead of the ve‐
hicle.
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A dirty or covered sensor may hinder the detec‐
tion of vehicles.
▷If necessary, clean the radar sensor. Re‐
move layers of snow and ice carefully.▷Do not cover the view field of the radar sen‐
sor.
Switching on/off and interrupting
cruise control
Switching on Press the button on the steering wheel.
The indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
light up and the mark in the speedometer is set
to the current speed.
Cruise control can be used.
Switching off Deactivated or interrupted system
If the system is deactivated or interrupted,
actively intervene by braking and, if necessary,
with evasive maneuvers; otherwise, there is the
danger of an accident occurring.◀
If switching off the system while stationary,
press on the brake pedal at the same time.
Press the button on the steering wheel.
▷If active: press twice.▷If interrupted: press once.
The displays go out. The stored desired speed
and distance are deleted.
Interrupting the system
Press the button on the steering wheel.
If interrupting the system while stationary, press
on the brake pedal at the same time.
The system is automatically interrupted in the
following situations:▷When the brakes are applied.▷When the clutch pedal is depressed.▷When transmission position D is disen‐
gaged.▷When DTC Dynamic Traction Control is ac‐
tivated or DSC is deactivated.▷When DSC is actively controlling stability.▷If the safety belt and the driver's door are
opened when the vehicle is standing still.▷If the system has not detected objects for an
extended period, e.g., on a road with very lit‐
tle traffic without road edge line markings.▷If the radar sensor is dirty.
Maintaining/storing the speed
Press the button.
Or:
Press the rocker switch while the system is in‐
terrupted.
When the system is switched on, the current
speed is maintained and stored as the desired
speed.
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It is displayed in the speedometer and briefly
displayed in the instrument cluster, Displays in
the instrument cluster, refer to page 129.
When cruise control is maintained or stored,
DSC Dynamic Stability Control is switched on, if
necessary.
Changing, maintaining, and storing the
speed
The rocker switch can be pressed while the sys‐
tem is interrupted to maintain and store the cur‐
rent speed. DSC Dynamic Stability Control is
switched on, if necessary.
Adapting the desired speed
Adapt the desired speed to the road con‐
ditions and be ready to brake at all times; other‐
wise, there is the danger of an accident occur‐
ring.◀
Speed differences
Large differences in speed relative to ve‐
hicles ahead of the vehicle cannot be compen‐
sated by the system for example in the following
situations:▷When catching up rapidly with a truck.▷When another vehicle suddenly swerves
into the wrong lane.◀
Press the rocker switch up or down repeatedly
until the desired speed is set.
If active, the displayed speed is stored and the
vehicle reaches the stored speed if the road is
clear.
▷Each time the rocker switch is pressed to the
point of resistance, the desired speed in‐creases or decreases by approx.
1 mph/1 km/h.▷Each time the rocker switch is pressed past
the point of resistance, the desired speed
increases or decreases by a maximum of
5 mph/10 km/h.
Hold the rocker switch in position to repeat the
action.
Distance Selecting a distance
Adjust the distance according to the traffic
and weather conditions; otherwise, there is the
danger of an accident occurring. Maintain the
prescribed safety distance.◀
Reduce distance Press the button repeatedly until the
desired distance is set.
The selected distance, refer to page 129, is dis‐
played in the instrument cluster.
Increase distance Press the button repeatedly until the
desired distance is set.
The selected distance, refer to page 129, is dis‐
played in the instrument cluster.
Calling up the desired speed and
distance
While driving Press the button with the system
switched on.
In the following cases, the stored speed value is
deleted and cannot be called up again:
▷When the system is switched off.▷When the ignition is switched off.Seite 128ControlsDriving comfort128
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While standingBefore leaving the vehicle, secure it
against rolling.
Before leaving the vehicle with the engine run‐
ning, engage position P of the automatic trans‐
mission and apply the parking brake. Otherwise,
the vehicle may begin to roll.◀
The system brought the vehicle to a complete
standstill:▷Green marking in the speedometer:
Your vehicle accelerates automatically as
soon as the vehicle in the range of the radar
sensor moves off.▷Marking in the speedometer turns orange:
no automatic driving away.
To accelerate to the desired speed auto‐
matically, press the accelerator briefly or
press the RES or SET button.
Rolling bars in the distance display indicate that
the vehicle in the radar sensor detection range
has moved off.
Your vehicle was braked to a halt by pressing on
the brake pedal and it is standing behind another
vehicle:
1. Press the button to call up a stored
desired speed.2.Release the brake pedal.3.Press on the accelerator briefly, or press the
RES button or the rocker switch when the
vehicle ahead of you drives away.
Displays in the instrument cluster
Desired speed
▷The marking lights up green:
the system is active.▷The marking lights up or‐
ange: the system has been
interrupted.▷The marking does not light up: the system is
switched off.
With instrument display: the symbol is
displayed in the speedometer similarly
to the mark for the desired speed.
Brief status display Selected desired speed.
If --- appears briefly on the display for Check
Control messages, it is possible that the system
requirements for operation are currently not
met.
Distance to vehicle ahead of you
The selected distance to the vehicle driving
ahead of you is shown.
Distance displayDistance 1Distance 2Distance 3Distance 4
This value is set after the system is
switched on.The system has been interrupted or
distance control is deactivated be‐
cause the accelerator is being
pressed; a vehicle was not detected.Distance control is deactivated be‐
cause the accelerator is being
pressed; a vehicle was detected.Rolling bars: the detected vehicle has driven
away.Seite 129Driving comfortControls129
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Indicator/warning lampsPersonal responsibility
The indicator and warning lamps do not
relieve the driver of the responsibility to adapt
his or her desired driving speed and style to the
traffic conditions.◀
The vehicle symbol lights up orange:
A vehicle has been detected ahead of
you.
The vehicle symbol flashes orange:
The conditions are not adequate for op‐
erating the system.
The system was deactivated but applies the
brakes until you actively assume control by
pressing on the brake pedal or accelerator.
The vehicle symbol flashes red and an
acoustic signal sounds:
You are requested to intervene by brak‐
ing or making an evasive maneuver.
Displays in the Head-up Display
The information from Active Cruise Control can
also be displayed in the Head-up Display.
Adjusting the Head-up Display, refer to
page 146.
System limits
Speed range
Best results are achieved when using the sys‐
tem on well-developed roads and highways.
The desired speed can be selected between
20 mph/30 km/h to 110 mph/180 km/h.
The system can also be activated when station‐
ary.
Comply with the legal speed limit in every situa‐
tion when using the system.Detection range
The detection capacity of the system and the
automatic braking capacity are limited.
Two-wheeled vehicles driving ahead of you
for instance might not be detected.
Limited detection capacity
Because of the limits to the detection ca‐
pacity, you should be alert at all times so that you
can intervene actively, if necessary; otherwise,
there is the danger of an accident occurring.◀
Deceleration
The system does not decelerate when a sta‐
tionary obstacle is located in the same lane, e.g.,
a vehicle at a red traffic light or at the end of traffic
congestion.
The system also does not respond to:
▷Pedestrians or similar slow-moving road
users.▷Red traffic lights.▷Stationary objects.▷Cross traffic.▷Oncoming traffic.
No warnings
A warning may not be issued when ap‐
proaching a stationary or very slow-moving ob‐
stacle. You must react yourself; otherwise, there
is the danger of an accident occurring.◀
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