steering BMW Z4 SDRIVE30I 2009 User Guide

Technology for driving comfort and safety
78
Loud sound sources outside or inside the car
can drown out the PDC signal. Therefore,
always drive cautiously, otherwise there is a risk
of personal injury or property damage.
<
Driving stability control
systems
Your BMW has a number of systems that help
to maintain the vehicle's stability even in
adverse driving conditions.
Antilock Brake System ABS
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during
braking. Safe steering response is maintained
even during full braking. Active safety is thus
increased.
The ABS is operational every time you start the
engine. Braking safely, refer to page 112.
Electronic brake-force distribution
The system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure st able braking behavior.
Dynamic Brake Control DBC
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system
automatically produces the maximum braking
force boost and thus helps to achieve the short-
est possible braking distance during full brak-
ing. This system exploits all of the benefits pro-
vided by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressu re on the brake for the
duration of the full braking application.
Dynamic Stability Control DSC
DSC prevents the driving wheels from losing
traction when you pull away from rest or accel-
erate. The system also recognizes unstable
driving conditions, for example if the rear of the
car is about to swerve or if momentum is acting
at an angle past the front wheels. In these
cases, DSC helps the vehicle maintain a safe
course within physical lim its by reducing engine
output and through braking actions at the indi-
vidual wheels. The laws of physics
cannot be repealed,
even with DSC. An appropriate driving
style always remains th e responsibility of the
driver. Therefore, do no t reduce the additional
s a f e t y m a r g i n a g a i n b y t a k i n g r i s k s , a s t h i s c o u l d
result in an accident. <
Deactivating/activating the DSC OFF
program
The program can be de activated via Dynamic
Driving Control, refer to DSC OFF.
For better control
The indicator lamp flashes: DSC con-
trols the drive forces and brake forces.
The indicator lamp lights up: DSC has
failed.
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
The concept
The DTC system and the TRACTION program
is a variant of the DSC in which forward momen-
tum is optimized.
The system ensures maximum forward
momentum on special road conditions, e.g.,
unplowed snowy roads, bu t driving stability is
limited.
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 slus h 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/activ ating DTC Dynamic
Traction Control
The system and program can be deactivated/
activated via Dynamic Driving Control.

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Dynamic Driving Control
The concept
Dynamic Driving Control can be used to adjust
the driving dynamics of the vehicle.
Several programs are available for this purpose;
they can be activated using the two Dynamic
Driving Control buttons.
The following characteristics are adapted,
depending on which program was selected:
> Engine response.
> Shift times of the automatic transmission
*.
> Power steering support
*.
> Changes in the suspension characteristics
through damping control
*.
> Vehicle stabilization through DSC Dynamic
Stability Control.
Operating the programs
1You can activate or de activate the following
programs using this button:
> DSC OFF
> TRACTION
2 You can activate or de activate the following
programs using this rocker switch:
> SPORT+
> SPORT
> NORMAL
DSC OFF
Driving stability is limited during acceleration
and when driving in bends.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
Activating DSC OFF
Press and hold the button, but not
longer than approx. 10 seconds, until
the indicator lamp for the DSC lights up in the
instrument cluster and DSC OFF is displayed in
the instrument cluster.
The DSC system is switched off.
Deactivating DSC OFF
Press the button.
DSC OFF and the DSC indicator lamp
go out.
For better control
DSC OFF is briefly displayed in the instrument
cluster.
The indicator lamp lights up: DSC is
deactivated.
TRACTION
Maximum traction on loose road surfaces. DTC
Dynamic Traction Control is switched on. Driv-
ing stability is limited during acceleration and
when driving in bends.
Activating TRACTION
Press the button.
TRACTION is displayed in the instru-
ment cluster.

Controls
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Flat Tire Monitor FTM*
The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor detects pressure loss in a
tire by comparing the rotating speeds of the
individual tires while moving.
In the event of pressure loss, the rolling circum-
ference changes and, thus, the rotating speed
of the affected wheel. This change is detected
and is reported as a flat tire.
Functional requirement
In order to assure the reliable reporting of a flat
tire, the system must be initialized for the cor-
rect tire inflation pressure.The system must be reinitialized each
time a tire inflation pressure has been cor-
rected or a wheel or tire has been changed. <
System limitations
The Flat Tire Monitor is unable to warn
the driver of sudden, severe tire damage
caused by external factors, nor can it identify
the gradual loss of pressure that will inevitably
occur in all four tires over a lengthy period
of time. <
In the following situations, the system could be
delayed or malfunction:
> System has not been initialized
> Driving on snowy or slippery road surface
> Performance-oriented style of driving: slip
in the drive wheels, hi gh lateral acceleration
> Snow chains are attached
Initializing the system
The initialization is completed during driv-
ing, which can be interrupted at any time.
When driving resumes, the initialization is con-
tinued automatically.
Do not initialize the syst em while snow chains
are attached. <
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page 16.1.
"Vehicle Info"
2. "Vehicle status"
3. "Reset"
4. Start the engine - do not drive away.
5. Start the initializat ion using "Reset".
6. Start to drive.
The initialization is completed during the trip.
The initialization is comp leted during driving,
which can be interrupted at any time.
When driving resumes, the initialization is con-
tinued automatically.
Indication of a flat tire
The warning lamps come on in yellow
and red. A message appears on the
Control Display. In addition, an
acoustic signal sounds. There is a flat
tire or substantial loss of tire pressure.
1. Cautiously reduce speed to below 50 mph
or 80 km/h. Avoid sudden braking and
steering maneuvers. Do not exceed a speed
of 50 mph or 80 km/h.
If the car is not equipped with Run-
Flat Tires, refer to page 195, the stan-
dard equipment by design, do not continue
driving. Otherwise a severe accident could
result if you continue driving. <
2. At the next opportunity, check the air pres-
sure in all four tires.
If all four tires are inflated to the cor-
rect pressures, the Flat Tire Monitor
might not have been initialized. The system
must then be initialized. <

Technology for driving comfort and safety
82
3.
In the event of complete tire pressure loss,
0 psi/0 kPa, you can estimate the possible
distance for continued driving on the basis
of the following guidelines:
>With a light load:
1 person without luggage:
approx. 155 miles/250 km
> With a medium load:
1 person, cargo bay full, or 2 people
without luggage:
approx. 90 miles/150 km
> With a full load:
2 people, cargo bay full:
approx. 30 miles/50 km
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph or 80 km/h, otherwise
there is a risk of an accident. In the event of
pressure loss, vehicle handling changes. This
includes reduced tracking stability in braking,
extended braking distance and altered natural
steering characteristics.
If unusual vibration or lo ud noises occur during
the journey, this may be an indication that the
damaged tire has finally failed. Reduce your
speed and pull over as soon as possible at a
suitable location. Otherw ise parts of the tire
could come loose, resulting in an accident. Do
not continue driving. Instead, contact your
BMW center. <
Status display
1."Vehicle Info"
2. "Vehicle status"
3. "Flat Tire Monitor"
The status is displayed.
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM*
The concept
TPM checks the inflation pressures of the four
mounted tires. The system notifies you if there
is a significant loss of pressure in one or more
tires.
Functional requirement
In order to assure the re liable reporting of a flat
tire, the system must be reset while all tire infla-
tion pressures are correct.
Always use wheels with TPM electronics. Oth-
erwise, the system may malfunction.
Each time a tire inflation pressure has
been corrected or a wheel or tire has been
changed, reset the system. <
System limitations
TPM cannot warn you in advance of sud-
den severe tire damage caused by out-
side influences. <
The system does not work correctly if it has not
been reset; for example, a flat tire may be indi-
cated even though the tire inflation pressures
are correct.
The system is inactive and cannot indicate a flat
tire if a wheel without TP M electronics, such as
a compact spare wheel, has been mounted, or if
TPM is temporarily malfunctioning due to other
systems or devices using the same radio fre-
quency.
Status indicator on the Control Display
The color of the tires represents the status of
the tires and the system.
TPM takes into account that tire pressures
change while the vehicl e is being driven. The
tire pressures do not need to be corrected
unless the TPM instructs you to do so by means
of color indicators.

Technology for driving comfort and safety
84
2.
In the event of complete pressure loss,
0 psi/0 kPa, you can estimate the possible
distance for continued driving on the basis
of the following guidelines:
>With a light load:
1 person without luggage:
approx. 155 miles/250 km
> With a medium load:
1 person, cargo bay full, or 2 people
without luggage:
approx. 95 miles/150 km
> With a full load:
2 people, cargo bay full:
approx. 30 miles/50 km
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h. In the event of
pressure loss, vehicle handling changes. This
includes reduced tracking stability in braking,
extended braking distance and altered natural
steering characteristics.
If unusual vibration or lo ud noises occur during
the journey, this may be an indication that the
damaged tire has finally failed. Reduce your
speed and pull over as soon as possible at a
suitable location. Otherw ise parts of the tire
could come loose, resulting in an accident. Do
not continue driving. Instead, contact your
BMW center. <
Message for unsuccessful system
reset
The warning lamp lights up yellow. A
message will appear on the Control
Display. The system is not reset after
a tire has been changed, for example.
Check the tire inflation pressure and reset the
system, refer to page 83.
Status display
iDrive, for operating pr inciple refer to page16.
1. Press the button
The start menu is opened.
2. "Vehicle Info"
3. "Vehicle status"
4. "TPM"
5. The status is displayed.
Malfunction
The small warning lamp flashes in
yellow and then lights up continu-
ously; the larger warning lamp comes
on in yellow. On the Control Display,
the tires are shown in gray and a message
appears. No punctures can be detected.
This type of message is shown in the following
situations:
> If there is a malfunction
Have the system checked.
> If a wheel without TPM electronics has
been mounted
> If TPM is temporarily malfunctioning due to
other systems or devices using the same
radio frequency.
Declaration according to
NHTSA/FMVSS 138
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
Each tire should be checked monthly when cold
and inflated to the inflation pressure recom-
mended by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire infl ation pressure label. If
your vehicle has tires of a different size than the
size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire infla-
tion pressure label, yo u should determine the
proper tire inflation pressure for those tires. As
an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring sys-
tem, TPMS, that illuminates a low tire pressure
telltale when one or more of your tires are signif-
icantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the
low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as possible,
and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly underi nflated tire causes the
tire to overheat and ca n lead to tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and
tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s han-
dling and stopping ability. Please note that the
TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the dr iver’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if underin-
flation has not reached the level at which the
TPMS low tire pressure telltale illuminates.

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The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined
with the low tire pressure telltale. When the sys-
tem detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash
for approximately one minute and then remain
continuously lit. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle startups as long as
the malfunction exists. When the malfunction
indicator is illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a
variety of reasons, including the installation of
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow
the TPMS to continue to function properly.
Servotronic*
The concept
The Servotronic varies the steering force
required to turn the wh eels depending on the
speed at which you are driving. When you are
driving at low speeds, power steering provides
more support, i. e. little effort is needed to turn
the wheels. Power steering support lessens as
your speed increases.
The system works automatically.
Malfunction
Malfunctions are displayed via Check Control
Airbags
The following airbags are located under the
marked covers:
1 Front airbags
2 Side airbags in the seat backrests
3 Knee airbag
Protective action
Observe the adjustment instructions on
page 41 to ensure the best possible per-
sonal protection. <
The front airbags help protect the driver and
passenger by responding to frontal impacts in
which safety belts alone cannot provide ade-
quate restraint. When needed, the side airbags
help provide protection in the event of a side
impact. The relevant side airbag supports the
head and the side upper body area.
The airbags have been designed to not be trig-
gered in every collision situation, e.g. not in
minor accidents or rear-end collisions.
Do not apply adhesive materials to the
cover panels of the airbags, cover them or
modify them in any other way.
Keep the dashboard and window on the pas-
senger side clear, i.e. do not cover with adhe-
sive labels or coverings, and do not attach hold-
ers such as for navigation instruments and
mobile phones.
Do not attach seat cove rs, cushions or other
objects to the front seats that are not specifi-
cally approved for seats with integral side air-
bags. Do not hang items of clothing such as
coats or jackets over the backrests.

Technology for driving comfort and safety
86
Do not attempt to remove
the airbag retention
system from the vehicle. Do not modify the indi-
vidual components of the system or its wiring in
any way. This includes the upholstered covers
of the steering wheel, the dashboard and the
seats. Do not attempt to remove or dismantle
the steering wheel.
Do not touch the individual components imme-
diately after the system has been triggered,
because there is a danger of burns.
In the event of malfunctions, deactivation or
triggering of the airbag restraint system, have
the testing, repair, remo val and disposal of air-
bag generators executed only by a BMW center
or a workshop that works according to repair
procedures of BMW with correspondingly
trained personnel and th at has the required
explosives licenses. Unprofessional attempts to
work on the system could lead to failure in an
emergency or to undesi red airbag activation,
either of which could resu lt in personal injury.<
Warning notices and information about the air-
bags can also be found on the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of the
passenger airbags
The system determines whether the passenger
seat is occupied by meas uring the resistance of
the human body. Front, knee and side airbags
on the passenger side ar e activated or deacti-
vated accordingly.
Make sure that the passenger keeps his
or her feet in the footwell; otherwise, the
passenger airbags may not function properly. <
The indicator lamp above the interior rearview
mirror shows the current status of the passen-
ger airbags, deactivated or activated, refer to
Status of passenger airbags below.
Before transporting a child on the front
passenger seat, read the safety precau-
tions and handling instructions under Trans-
porting children safely, see page 48.
Malfunction of the automatic
deactivation system
The front, knee and side airbags can also be
deactivated by adolescents and adults sitting in
certain positions; the in dicator lamp for the pas-
senger airbags comes on. In such cases, the
passenger should change his or her sitting
position so that the pa ssenger airbags are acti-
vated and the indicator la mp goes out. If the
desired airbag status cannot be achieved by
changing the sitting posi tion, do not transport
the passenger in the vehicle.
To make sure that occupa tion of the seat cush-
ion can be detected correctly:
> Do not attach seat covers, seat cushion
padding, ball mats or other items to the pas-
senger seat unless they are specifically rec-
ommended by BMW.
> Do not place any items under the seat which
could press against the seat from below. <
Status of passenger airbags
The indicator lamp for the passenger airbags
shows the functional status of the passenger's
front, knee and side airbags in accordance with
whether and how the passenger seat is occu-
pied. The indicator lamp shows whether the
passenger airbags are activated or deactivated.
> The indicator lamp lights up when a child
who is properly seated in a child-restraint
system intended for that purpose is
detected on the seat or the seat is empty.
The front, knee and side airbags for the pas-
senger are not activated.
Most child seats are detected by the sys-
tem, especially child seats required by the
NHTSA at the time of vehicle production.

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Welcome lamps are activated and are
stored for the remote control currently in use.
Pathway lighting
If you activate the head lamp flasher after park-
ing the car, with the lig hts switched off, the
low beams come on and remain on for a
certain time.
You can adjust the operating period or deacti-
vate the function.
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page 16.
1. "Settings"
2. "Lighting"
3. "Pathway light.:"
4. Set or deactivate the duration.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Daytime running lamps
The daytime running lamps light up in switch
position 0, 1 and 3. They are less powerful than
the low beams.
Activating/deactivating the daytime
running lamps
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page 16.
1. "Settings"
2. "Lighting"
3. "Daytime running lamps" Daytime running lamps are activated and
are stored for the remote control currently
in use.
Adaptive Head Light*
The concept
Adaptive Head Light is a variable headlamp
control system that en ables better illumination
of the road surface. Depending on the steering
angle and other parameters, the light from the
headlamp follows the course of the road.
Activating Adapti ve Head Light
With the ignition switched on, turn the light
switch to position 3, refer to page 88.
To avoid blinding oncoming traffic, the Adaptive
Head Light directs light towards the passenger
side when the vehicle is at a standstill.
Malfunction
A message appears on the Control Display.
Adaptive Head Light is malfunctioning or has
failed. Have the system checked as soon as
possible.

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Air conditioning system
1Air distribution
2 Recirculated-air mode
3 Cooling function 4
Temperature
5 Air flow rate
6 Rear window defroster
Air distribution
Direct the flow of air to the win-
dows , to the upper body area
or to the knee area and footwell
. Intermediate settings are pos-
sible. In the 6 o'clock position, a small amount
of air is also directed towards the windows in
order to keep them from fogging over.
Recirculated-air mode
If the air outside the car has an
unpleasant odor or contains pollut-
ants, shut off the supply to the interior of the car
temporarily. The system then recirculates the
air currently within the vehicle.
You can also activate/d eactivate the recircu-
lated-air mode by means of a button
* on the
steering wheel, refer to page 11.
If condensation starts to form on the
inside window surfaces during operation
in the recirculated-air mode, you should switch
it off while also increasing the air flow rate as
required.
The recirculated-air mode should not be used
continuously for lengthy periods, otherwise the
quality of the air inside the car will gradually
deteriorate. <
Air flow rate
Press the corresponding button.
The higher the rate, the more
effective the heating or cooling
will be.
The air flow rate may be reduced or the blower
may be switched off entire ly to save on battery
power.
Switching the system on/off
With the blower at its lowest set-
ting, press the left side of the but-
ton. Thes blower and air condi-
tioner are completely switched off and the air
supply is cut off.
To switch on the air cond itioner, set the desired
air flow rate.
Switching cooling function on/off
The cooling function cools and
dehumidifies the incoming air
before reheating it as re quired, according to the
temperature setting. This function is only avail-
able while the engine is running.
The cooling function helps prevent condensa-
tion on the windows or removes it quickly.
Depending on the weathe r, the windshield may
fog over briefly when the engine is started.

Practical interior accessories
100
Digital compass*
1Adjustment button
2 Display
The display shows you the main or secondary
compass direction in which you are driving.
Operating principle
You can call up various functions by pressing
the adjustment button with a pointed object
such as a pen or similar item. The following
adjustment options are displayed one after the
other, depending on how long you keep the
adjustment button pressed:
> Press briefly: switch display on/off
> 3 to 6 seconds: set the compass zone
> 6 to 9 seconds: calibrate the compass
> 9 to 12 seconds: set left-hand/right-hand
steering
> 12 to 15 seconds: Setting the language
Setting compass zones
Set the compass zone corresponding to your
vehicle's geographic loca tion so that the com-
pass can function correctl y; refer to the world
map with compass zones.
To set the compass zone, press the adjustment
button for approx. 3-4 seconds. The number of
the compass zone set is shown in the display.
To change the zone se tting, briefly press the
adjustment button repeat edly until the display shows the number of the compass zone corre-
sponding to your current location.
The compass is operational again after approx.
10 seconds.