traction control BMW X6 M 2012 Owners Manual

DSC Dynamic Stability Con‐
trol  96
DTC Dynamic Traction Con‐
trol  97
Side View*  116
8 Controller with buttons  18
9 Automatic Hold  
64 10 Parking brake  
63
11 Adaptive Drive*   99
12 Selector lever for automatic transmis‐
sion  69
All around the headliner 1 Emergency Request*  280
2 Glass sunroof*  
42  43
3 Indicator lamp for the front pas‐
senger airbags*  87
4 Reading lamps  
85
5 Interior lamps  85
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Reference Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls
At a glance

Driving stability control systems
Antilock Brake System ABS
ABS
prevents locking of the wheels during brak‐
ing.
The vehicle remains steerable even during full
brake applications, thus increasing active
safety.
ABS is operational every time you start the en‐
gine.
CBC Cornering Brake Control
When braking during curves or when braking
during a lane change, driving stability and steer‐
ing response are improved further.
Electronic brake-force
distribution
The system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
Brake assistant
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system
automatically produces the maximum braking
force boost. It thus helps to achieve the shortest
possible braking distance 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.
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC
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. Subject
to physical limits, DSC helps to keep the vehicle
on a steady course by reducing engine 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The laws of physics cannot be repealed, even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.
Do not reduce the additional safety margin with
a risky driving style, as otherwise there is a risk
of an accident.◀
Deactivating DSC: DSC OFF
When DSC is deactivated, driving stability is re‐
duced during acceleration and when driving in
bends.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
Deactivating DSC Press and hold the button, but not longer than
approx. 10 seconds, until the indicator lamp for
DSC

lights up in the instrument cluster and DSC
OFF is displayed. DTC Dynamic Traction Con‐
trol and DSC are deactivated together.
A message appears on the Control Display.
Please note any supplementary information that
appears there. Seite 96
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Driving stability control systems

Activating DSC
Press the button.
DSC OFF and the indicator lamp in the instru‐
ment cluster go out.
For better control
The indicator lamp flashes: DSC con‐
trols the drive forces and brake forces.
The indicator lamp lights up: DSC and
DTC has failed.
DSC deactivated:
The indicator lamp lights up and
DSC OFF appears in the instrument
cluster. DSC and DTC deactivated.
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC
The concept
The
DTC system is a version of the DSC in which
forward momentum is optimized.
The system ensures maximum forward momen‐
tum on special road conditions, e.g., unplowed
snowy roads, but driving stability is limited.
It is therefore necessary to drive with appropri‐
ate caution.
You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC un‐
der the following special circumstances:
▷ When driving in sand, on snowy inclines, in
slush, or on unplowed, snow-covered road
surfaces ▷
When rocking a vehicle free or starting off in
deep snow, sand, or on loose ground
▷ 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 instrument clus‐
ter

and the indicator lamp for DSC OFF lights up.
Deactivating DTC
Press the button again.
TRACTION and the indicator lamp in the instru‐
ment cluster go out.
For better control The indicator lamp flashes: DTC con‐
trols the drive forces and brake forces.
The indicator lamp lights up: DSC and
DTC has failed.
DTC activated:
The indicator lamp lights up and TRAC‐
TION appears in the instrument cluster. Seite 97
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Reference Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips
Controls At a glance

DTC is activated.
xDrive
xDrive is the all-wheel-drive system of your ve‐
hicle. The combined effects of xDrive and DSC
further optimize the traction and dynamic driv‐
ing characteristics. The 4-wheel drive system
xDrive
variably distributes the drive forces to the
front and rear axle depending on the driving sit‐
uation and prevailing road conditions.
Dynamic Performance
Control*
The concept
Dynamic Performance Control optimizes the
handling characteristics of your vehicle when
starting off, cornering, and during evasive ma‐
neuvers.
To achieve this, the system variably distributes
the drive torque of the rear axle to the two rear
wheels. This further increases the steering pre‐
cision and tracking stability of your vehicle.
Display
The Control Display shows how xDrive and Dy‐
namic Performance Control are distributing the
drive forces.
1. "Vehicle Info" 2.
"Torque distribution" The current distribution of drive forces is indi‐
cated by arrows pointing to all four wheels.
The highlighted arrows show the drive forces
currently present. The longer an arrow is, the
greater

the drive forces in the associated wheel.
The transparent arrows indicate the maximum
value the drive forces over the last 10 seconds.
Malfunction
Malfunctions are displayed via Check Control,
refer to page 76.
Hill Descent Control HDC
The concept
HDC is a downhill driving assistant that auto‐
matically controls vehicle speed on steep down‐
hill gradients. The vehicle moves at approxi‐
mately walking speed without braking
intervention by the driver.
You can activate the Hill Descent Control at
speeds below approx. 22 mph/35 km/h. When
moving downhill at speeds below approx.
22 mph/35 km/h, the vehicle reduces its speed
to approximately walking speed, approx. 5 mph/
8 km/h and keeps it constant.
Only use HDC in transmission positions D or R.
Increasing or reducing speed
The speed can be changed in the range from
approx. 4 mph/6 km/h to approx. 15 mph/25 km/
h by pressing the accelerator or brake pedal
lightly.
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Driving stability control systems

▷
After driving through water, press on the
brake pedal several times at low speeds to
dry the brakes.
▷ Depending on the prevailing terrain, activate
Dynamic Traction Control DTC, refer to
page 97, briefly.
▷ When the wheels spin, accelerate to enable
the driving stability control systems to dis‐
tribute the drive force to the individual
wheels.
▷ BMW X5 with M Sport Package*: if the ve‐
hicle is primarily used on poor roads or un‐
paved surfaces, it may be advantageous,
depending on the driving style, to use the
stone
chip guard offered by the service cen‐
ter. This reduces the risk of damage to
painted vehicle components, such as in the
area of the side skirts and wheel arches.
Your service center will be glad to advise
you.
After driving on poor roads
Adhere
to the following points to ensure vehicle
safety:
▷ Remove excessive accumulations of dirt
and mud from the vehicle body.
▷ Clear mud, snow, ice, etc., from the wheels
and tires and check for damage.
Saving fuel
General information
Your vehicle contains advanced technology for
the reduction of fuel consumption and emis‐
sions.
Fuel consumption depends on a number of dif‐
ferent factors.
The implementation of certain measures, driv‐
ing style and regular maintenance, refer to
page 268, can have an influence on fuel con‐
sumption and on the environmental impact.
Remove unnecessary cargo
Additional weight increases fuel consumption. Remove attached parts following use
Remove

unneeded auxiliary mirrors, roof or rear
luggage racks after use.
Attached parts on the vehicle impair the aero‐
dynamics and increase the fuel consumption.
Closing the windows and glass
sunroof*/panoramic glass sunroof*
Driving with the glass sunroof/panoramic glass
sunroof and windows open results in increased
air resistance and raises fuel consumption.
Check the tire inflation pressure
regularly
Check and, if necessary, correct the tire inflation
pressure, refer to page 252, at least twice a
month and before starting on a long trip.
Low tire inflation pressure increases rolling re‐
sistance and thus raises fuel consumption and
tire wear.
Drive away without delay
Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the
vehicle remains stationary. Start driving right
away, but at moderate engine speeds.
This is the fastest way for the cold engine to
reach its operating temperature.
Look well ahead when driving
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.
By maintaining a suitable distance to the vehicle
driving ahead of you.
Driving smoothly and looking ahead reduces
fuel consumption.
Avoid high engine speeds
Driving at a low engine speed reduces fuel con‐
sumption and minimizes wear.
Use coasting conditions
When approaching a red light, take your foot off
the accelerator and let the vehicle coast to a halt.
On a downhill gradient, take your foot off the ac‐
celerator and let the vehicle roll.
The flow of fuel is interrupted while coasting.
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Things to remember when driving

Last destinations
At a glance
The destinations previously entered are stored
automatically.
These destinations can be called up and used
as a destination for destination guidance.
Calling up the last destination
1.
"Navigation"
2. "Last destinations" Starting destination guidance
1.
"Navigation"
2. "Last destinations"
3. Select the destination.
4. "Start guidance"
Editing the destination
1. "Navigation"
2. "Last destinations"
3. Highlight the destination.
4. Open "Options".
5. "Edit destination"
Deleting the last destinations
1. "Navigation"
2. "Last destinations"
3. Highlight the destination.
4. Open "Options".
5. "Delete entry" or "Delete all last
destinations" Special destinations
Opening the search for special
destinations
Selection
of special destinations, such as hotels
or tourist attractions.
1. "Navigation"
2. "Points of Interest"
3. Select the search function.
Online Search*
1. "Google™ Search"
2. Select a special destination.
3. Select the symbol.
4. "Start guidance"
A-Z search
1. "A-Z search"
2. "Town/City"
3. Select or enter the town/city.
4. "Category"
5. Select the category.
6. "Category details"
For

some special destinations, multiple cat‐
egory details can be selected. Move the
controller to the left to leave the category
details.
7. "Keyword"
8. Enter the keyword.
A

list of the special destinations is displayed.
9. Select a special destination.
Details are displayed.
If multiple details are stored, you can leaf
through the pages.
If

a phone number is available, a connection
can be established if necessary.
10. Select the symbol.
11. "Start guidance" or "Add as another
destination"
Add a destination as a further destination,
refer to page 159.
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Destination entry

Any additionally incurred costs are not a part
of Apps.
▷ Use only BMW approved software applica‐
tions; otherwise, it may result in malfunc‐
tions.
Information about suitable cell phones, available
software applications and their installation can
be found at www.bmw.com/connectivity or at
the service center.
Create the entries.
Make entries only when traffic and road
conditions allow. Otherwise, the vehicle occu‐
pants
and other road users may be put in danger
because of the distraction from driving.
For reasons of safety, some software applica‐
tions are usable only while the vehicle is station‐
ary.◀
Operating Apps
1. Connect the cell phone via the snap-in
adapter or via the USB audio interface.
2. "ConnectedDrive"
3. Select the desired software application.
Displaying status
Information about the currently available soft‐
ware applications can be displayed.
1. "ConnectedDrive"
2. "BMW apps"
PlugIn*
Selected functions of the cell phone are dis‐
played on the Control Display. They can be op‐
erated via iDrive.
1. Connect cell phone via the snap-in adapter.
2. "ConnectedDrive"
3. "PlugIn"
4. "Activate PlugIn"
5. Navigate to the displayed functions via the
controller

and select, for example, a desired
category or track. Press button to switch within the cell
phone functions to a higher level or back.
Press button twice to switch back to the
main menu.
Notes
▷ The ranges of Apps that can be displayed on
the Control Display depend on the range of
installed software applications on the mo‐
bile phone.
▷ The data transmission of the software ap‐
plications

from the cell phone to the vehicle
can last some time. Some software applica‐
tions depend on the speed of the available
Internet connection of the cell phone.
▷ Some mobile phones cannot simultane‐
ously use Apps and the Bluetooth hands-
free system.
If

necessary, restart the software application
on the cell phone after a phone conversa‐
tion. Seite 242
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ConnectedDrive

Tire size
Pressure specifications in psi/kPa
Front: 275/40 R 20 106 W XL RSC
Rear: 315/35 R 20 110 W XL RSC 36/250
--
36/25044/300
--
44/300
Front: 285/35 R 21 105 W XL RSC
Rear: 325/30 R 21 108 W XL RSC 36/250
--
36/25045/310
--
45/310
Compact wheel*
T 155/90 D 18 113 M
T 155/80 R 19 114 M 60/420 60/420 60/420 60/420
More details on the permissible load and weights, refer to page 292.Tire identification marks
Knowledge
of the labeling on the side of the tire
makes it easier to identify and choose the right
tires.
Tire size
Example: 255/55 R 19 107 V
255: nominal width in mm
55: aspect ratio in %
R: radial tire code
19: rim diameter in inches
107: load rating, not for ZR tires
V: speed rating, before the R on ZR tires
Speed letter
Q = up to 100 mph/160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph/190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph/210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph/240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph/270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph/300 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of the
U.S. Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
DOT xxxx xxx 3410
xxxx: manufacturer code for the tire brand
xxx: tire size and tire design 3410: tire age
Tire age
The tire manufacturing date is contained in the
tire
identification mark: DOT ... 3410 means that
the tire was manufactured in the week 34 of
2010.
BMW recommends that you replace all tires af‐
ter 6 years at most, even if some tires may last
for 10 years.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable
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
Conform to Federal Safety Requirements
All passenger car tires must conform to
Federal Safety Requirements in addition to
these grades.◀
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov‐ Seite 258
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Wheels and tires

ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (11/2) 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 government test surfa‐
ces 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 braking traction tests, and
does not include acceleration, cornering, hydro‐
planing, or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, 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. Sus‐
tained 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 represent
higher levels of performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum required by law.
Temperature grade for this tire
The temperature grade for this tire is es‐
tablished for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinfla‐
tion, or excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and pos‐
sible tire failure.◀ RSC – Run-flat tires
The symbol identifying run-flat tires is a circle
with the letters RSC on the sidewall, refer to
page
261.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than
summer tires.
XL
Designation for specially reinforced tires.
Tire tread
Summer tires
Do not drive with a tire tread depth of less than
0.12 in/3 mm.
There is an increased danger of hydroplaning if
the tread depth is less than 0.12 in/3 mm.
Winter tires
Do not drive with a tire tread depth of less than
0.16 in/4 mm.
Below a tread depth of 0.16 in/4 mm, tires are
less suitable for winter operation.
Minimum tread depth Wear indicators are distributed around the tire's
circumference and have the legally required
minimum height of 0.063 in/1.6 mm.
They

are marked on the side of the tire with TWI,
Tread Wear Indicator.
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Reference
Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance

With proper use, these tires meet the highest
standards for safety and handling.
Retreaded tires
The manufacturer of your vehicle does not rec‐
ommend the use of retreaded tires.
Retreaded tires
Possibly substantial variations in the de‐
sign and age of the tire casing structures can
limit service life and have a negative impact on
road safety.◀
Winter tires
The manufacturer of your vehicle recommends
winter tires for winter roads or at temperatures
below +45 ℉/+7 ℃.
Although
so-called all-season M+S tires do pro‐
vide better winter traction than summer tires,
they do not provide the same level of perform‐
ance as winter tires.
Maximum speed of winter tires
If the maximum speed of the vehicle is higher
than the permissible speed for the winter tires,
then display a corresponding sign in the field of
vision. You can obtain this sign from the tire spe‐
cialist or from your service center.
Maximum speed for winter tires
Do not exceed the maximum speed for the
winter tires; otherwise, tire damage and acci‐
dents can occur.◀
Run-flat tires
For your own safety, only use run-flat tires. Your
service center will be glad to advise you.
Rotating wheels between axles
The manufacturer of your vehicle advises
against swapping wheels between the front and
rear axles.
This can impair the handling characteristics.
Rotating the tires is not permissible when using
different types of tires*. Storage
Store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place with
as little exposure to light as possible.
Always protect tires against all contact with oil,
grease and fuels.
Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation pres‐
sure indicated on the side wall of the tire.
Run-flat tires
Label
RSC label on the tire sidewall.
The wheels are composed of special rims and
tires that are self-supporting, to a limited de‐
gree.
The

support of the sidewall allows the tire to re‐
main drivable to a restricted degree in the event
of a pressure loss.
Driving with a damaged tire:
▷ Flat Tire Monitor FTM*, refer to page 88
▷ Tire Pressure Monitor TPM*, refer to
page 90
Snow chains*
Only certain fine-link snow chains have been
tested by BMW, classified as safe for use and
recommended. Consult your service center for
more information.
BMW X5: use only in pairs on the rear wheels,
equipped with tires of the following size:
▷ 255/55 R 18
▷ 255/50 R 19
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Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance