BMW Z4 SDRIVE35I 2012 Manual Online

Driving stability control systemsVehicle equipment
This chapter describes all series equipment as
well as country-specific and special equipment
offered for this model series.Therefore, it also
describes equipment that may not be found in
your vehicle, for instance due to the selected
special equipment or the country version. This
also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐
tems.
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.
Electronic brake-force
distribution
The system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
Dynamic Brake Control DBC
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The laws of physics cannot be repealed, even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.
Therefore, do not reduce the additional safety
margin by driving in a risky manner.◀
Activating/deactivating DSC
DSC can be deactivated/activated via the DSC
OFF program of the Dynamic Driving Control,
refer to page 82.
For better control The DSC indicator lamp flashes: DSC is
controlling the drive forces and brake
forces.
The DSC indicator lamp lights up: DSC has
failed.Seite 81Driving stability control systemsControls81
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Dynamic Traction Control
DTC
The concept
The DTC system and the TRACTION program
are a variant of the DSC in which forward mo‐
mentum 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 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 Dynamic
Traction Control DTC
The system and program can be deactivated/
activated via Dynamic Driving Control, refer to
page 83.
Dynamic Driving Control
The concept
Dynamic Driving Control can be used to adjust
the driving dynamics of the vehicle. Several pro‐
grams are available for this purpose; one pro‐
gram can be activated at a time using the Dy‐
namic Driving Control buttons.
Operating the programsPress the buttonProgramDSC OFF
TRACTIONSPORT+
SPORT
COMFORT
DSC OFF
Driving stability is limited during acceleration
and when driving in bends.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
Deactivating DSC: DSC OFF Press the button for no longer than ap‐
prox. 10 seconds until the indicator
lamp for DSC OFF lights up in the instrument
cluster and DSC OFF appears in the instrument
cluster.
The DSC system is switched off.
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Activating DSCPress 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 DSC OFF indicator lamp lights up:
DSC is deactivated.
TRACTION
Maximum traction on loose road surfaces. Dy‐
namic Traction Control DTC is switched on.
Driving stability is limited during acceleration
and when driving in bends.
Activating TRACTION Press the button.
TRACTION is displayed in the instru‐
ment cluster.
The DSC OFF indicator lamp lights up in the in‐
strument cluster.
Deactivating TRACTION Press the button again.
TRACTION and the DSC OFF indicator
lamp go out.
Indicator/warning lamps
When DTC is activated, TRACTION is displayed
in the instrument cluster.
The DSC OFF indicator lamp lights up:
Dynamic Traction Control DTC is acti‐
vated.SPORT+
Sporty driving with optimized chassis and sus‐
pension during limited driving stabilization.
Dynamic Traction Control is switched on.
The driver handles several of the stabilization
tasks.
Activating SPORT+ Press the button repeatedly until
SPORT+
is selected in the instru‐
ment cluster and the DSC OFF indicator lamp is
displayed.
Indicator/warning lamps
SPORT+ is displayed in the instrument cluster.
The DSC OFF indicator lamp lights up:
Dynamic Traction Control DTC is acti‐
vated.
SPORT
Consistently sporty tuning of the suspension for
greater driving agility with maximum driving sta‐
bilization.
Activating SPORT Press the button repeatedly until
SPORT is selected in the instrument
cluster.
COMFORT
For a balanced tuning with maximum driving sta‐
bilization.
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Activating COMFORTPress the button repeatedly until COM‐
FORT is selected in the instrument
cluster.
Displays in the instrument cluster
The selected program is displayed in the instru‐
ment cluster.
Drive-off assistant
This system supports driving away on gradients.
The parking brake is not required.
1.Hold the vehicle in place with the foot brake.2.Release the foot brake and drive away with‐
out delay.
After the foot brake is released, the vehicle is
held in place for approx. 2 seconds.
Depending on the vehicle load, the vehicle may
roll back slightly.
Driving off without delay
After releasing the foot brake, start driving
without delay, since the drive-off assistant will
not hold the vehicle in place for more than ap‐
prox. 2 seconds and the vehicle will begin rolling
back.◀
Servotronic
The concept
The Servotronic varies the steering force re‐
quired to turn the wheels depending on the
speed at which you are driving. Power steering
provides strong support at low speeds, which
means that 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,
refer to page 186.Seite 84ControlsDriving stability control systems84
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Driving comfortVehicle equipment
This chapter describes all series equipment as
well as country-specific and special equipment
offered for this model series.Therefore, it also
describes equipment that may not be found in
your vehicle, for instance due to the selected
special equipment or the country version. This
also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐
tems.
Cruise control
The concept
Cruise control is available for use at speeds of
approx. 20 mph/30 km/h and higher. The car
then stores and maintains the speed that you
specify using the lever on the steering column.
In order to maintain the specified speed, the
system brakes the vehicle when the engine
braking effect is insufficient on downhill gradi‐
ents.
Do not use cruise control
Do not use the system if unfavorable con‐
ditions make it impossible to drive at a constant
speed, for instance:▷On curvy roads.▷In heavy traffic.▷On slippery roads, in fog, snow or rain, or on
a loose road surface.
Otherwise, you could lose control of the vehicle
and cause an accident.◀
Manual transmission
You can shift gears while cruise control is acti‐
vated. An indicator lamp notifies you that you
should shift gears when you drive for an ex‐
tended period at very high or very low engine
speeds, or the system is deactivated.
One lever for all functions1Storing and maintaining speed or accelerat‐
ing2Storing and maintaining speed or deceler‐
ating3Deactivating cruise control4Resuming a speed stored beforehand
Maintaining current speed
Push the lever, arrow 1, or pull it briefly, arrow 2.
The car's current speed is stored and main‐
tained. It is displayed on the speedometer and
briefly in the instrument cluster.
On uphill gradients, it may prove impossible to
maintain the set speed if current engine power
output is insufficient. If the engine braking effect
is insufficient on downhill slopes, the system will
brake the vehicle slightly.
Increasing desired speed
Repeatedly press the lever to the resistance
point or beyond, arrow 1, until the desired speed
is reached.
▷Each time the lever is pressed to the point of
resistance, the desired speed increases by
approx. 1 mph/1 km/h.▷Each time the lever is pressed beyond the
resistance point, the desired speed is in‐
creased by up to 5 mph/10 km/h.
The system stores and maintains the speed.
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Accelerating using the lever
Accelerating slightly:
Press the lever to the resistance point, arrow 1,
and hold until the desired speed is reached.
Accelerating significantly:
Press the lever beyond the resistance point, ar‐
row 1, and hold until the desired speed is
reached.
The vehicle accelerates without pressure on the
accelerator pedal. The system stores and main‐
tains the speed.
Decreasing speed
Repeatedly pull the lever to the resistance point
or beyond, arrow 2, until the desired speed is
displayed.▷Each time the lever is pulled to the resist‐
ance point, the desired speed is decreased
by approx. 1 mph/1 km/h.▷Each time the lever is pulled beyond the re‐
sistance point, the desired speed is reduced
by up to 5 mph or 10 km/h until the minimum
speed of 20 mph/30 km/h is achieved.
The system stores and maintains the speed.
Interrupting the system
Push the lever upwards or downwards, arrow 3.
The displays in the speedometer change color.
In addition, the system is automatically inter‐
rupted in the following situations:
▷When the brakes are applied.▷In cars with manual transmission, when
gears are shifted very slowly or if neutral is
engaged.▷In cars with Sport automatic transmission,
when transmission position N is engaged.▷When DTC is activated or DSC is deacti‐
vated.▷When DSC or ABS is intervening.
Cruise control is not deactivated by depressing
the accelerator pedal. Once the accelerator
pedal is released, the stored speed is achieved
again and maintained.
Warning lamp The warning lamp comes on, for ex‐
ample, when cruise control has been
deactivated as a result of DSC inter‐
vention.
Deactivating the system▷Press the lever upward or downward twice,
arrow 3.▷Switch off the ignition.
The stored speed is cleared.
Resuming a speed stored beforehand
Press the button, arrow 4. The last stored speed
is resumed and maintained.
Displays in the instrument cluster
1Stored speed2Selected speed is displayed briefly
If --- mph or --- km/h temporarily appears in the
instrument cluster display, it is possible that the
system prerequisites for operation are currently
not met.
Call up Check Control messages, refer to
page 67.
Malfunction The warning lamp comes on when the
system has failed.
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More information, refer to page 186.
Park Distance Control PDC
The concept
PDC supports you when parking.
Objects in front of or behind your vehicle that
you are approaching slowly are indicated by
acoustic signals.
Measurement
Measurements are made by ultrasound sensors
in the bumpers.
The range is approx. 6 ft/2 m.
An acoustic warning is first given:▷By the front sensors and two rear corner
sensors at approx. 24 in/60 cm.▷By the rear middle sensors at approx. 5 ft/
1.50 m.
System limits
Check the traffic situation as well
PDC cannot serve as a substitute for the
driver's personal judgment of the traffic situa‐
tion. Check the traffic situation around the vehi‐
cle with your own eyes. Otherwise, an accident
could result from road users or objects located
outside of the PDC detection range.
Loud noises from outside and inside the vehicle
may prevent you from hearing the PDC's signal
tone.◀
Avoid driving quickly with PDC
Avoid approaching an object quickly.
Avoid driving away quickly while PDC is not yet
active.
For technical reasons, the system may other‐
wise be too late in issuing a warning.◀
Limits of ultrasonic measurement
The detection of objects can reach the physical
limits of ultrasonic measurement, for instance:▷With tow bars and trailer hitches.▷With thin or wedge-shaped objects.▷With low objects.▷With objects with corners and sharp edges.
Low objects already displayed, e.g., curbs, can
move into the blind area of the sensors before or
after a continuous tone sounds.
High, protruding objects such as ledges may not
be detected.
False warnings
PDC may issue a warning under the following
conditions even though there is no obstacle
within the detection range:
▷In heavy rain.▷When sensors are very dirty or covered in
ice.▷When sensors are covered in snow.▷On rough road surfaces.▷In large buildings with right angles and
smooth walls, e.g., in underground garages.▷In heavy exhaust.▷Due to other ultrasound sources, e.g.,
sweeping machines, high pressure steam
cleaners or neon lights.
Switching on automatically
Engage reverse gear with the engine running or
the ignition switched on.
Switching off automatically when
driving forward
The system switches off when a certain distance
or speed is exceeded.
Switch on the system again if necessary.
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Signal tones
When approaching an object, an intermittent
tone is sounded that indicates the position of the
object. For example, if an object is detected to
the left rear of the vehicle, a signal tone sounds
from the left rear speaker.
The shorter the distance to the object becomes,
the shorter the intervals.
If the distance to a detected object is less than
approx. 12 in/30 cm, a continuous tone is
sounded.
If objects are located both in front of and behind
the vehicle, an alternating continuous signal is
sounded.
The intermittent tone is interrupted after approx.
3 seconds:▷If the vehicle stops in front of an object that
is detected by only one of the corner sen‐
sors.▷If moving parallel to a wall.
The signal tone is switched off:
▷When the vehicle moves away from an ob‐
ject by more than approx. 4 in/10 cm.▷When transmission position P is engaged.
Malfunction
The indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster comes on. PDC has failed.
Have the system checked.
To ensure full operability:
▷Keep the sensors clean and free of ice.▷When using high-pressure washers, do not
spray the sensors for long periods and main‐
tain a distance of at least 12 in/30 cm.Seite 88ControlsDriving comfort88
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ClimateVehicle equipment
This chapter describes all series equipment as
well as country-specific and special equipment
offered for this model series.Therefore, it alsodescribes equipment that may not be found in
your vehicle, for instance due to the selected
special equipment or the country version. This
also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐
tems.
Overview
1Equipment variant: air conditioner   902Equipment variant: automatic climate con‐
trol   923Air vent: the airflow is directed toward the
windshield and side windows4Air vent: air for the upper body area. The
thumbwheels increase and decrease the airSeite 89ClimateControls89
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supply continuously; the levers change the
direction of the airflow.5Air vent: air for the knee area, footwell
Air conditioner
1Vent settings2Recirculated air mode3Cooling function4Temperature5Air volume6Rear window defrosterVent settings
Direct the flow of air to the win‐
dows
, to the upper body area
, or to the knee area and foot‐
well
. Intermediate positions are
possible. In the 6 o'clock position, a
small amount of air is also directed toward the
windows to keep them from fogging over.
Recirculated air mode If the air outside the car has an un‐
pleasant odor or contains pollu‐
tants, shut off the supply to the interior of the car
temporarily. The system then recirculates the air
currently within the vehicle.
The recirculated air mode can also be activated/
deactivated, refer to page 12, via a button on the
steering wheel.
Only use recirculated air mode for a limited
period
If condensation starts to form on the inside win‐
dow surfaces during operation in the recircu‐
lated air mode, you should switch it off while also
increasing the air flow rate as required. The re‐
circulated air mode should not be used contin‐
uously for lengthy periods; otherwise, the qual‐
ity of the air inside the car will gradually
deteriorate.◀
Air volume Press the corresponding button.
The higher the rate, the more ef‐
fective the heating or cooling will
be.
The air flow rate may be reduced or the blower
may be switched off entirely to save on battery
power.
Switching the system on/off Press the left button at the mini‐
mum fan speed. The blower and air
conditioner are completely
switched off and the air supply is cut off.Seite 90ControlsClimate90
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