Get CONTROLS -> Driving stability control systems Guide for BMW M4 2 Door Second Generation (2021-2025)

Driving stability control systems

CONTROLS

Driving stability control systems

Vehicle features and

options

Adaptive brake assistant

In combination with Active Cruise Control ACC,

this system ensures that the brakes respond

even more rapidly when braking in critical situa‐

tions.

This chapter describes all standard, country-spe‐

cific and optional features offered with the series.

It also describes features and functions that are

not necessarily available in your vehicle, e.g., due

to the selected options or country versions. This

also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐

tems. When using these functions and systems,

the applicable laws and regulations must be ob‐

served.

Drive-off assistant

Principle

The drive-off assistant supports driving off on

uphill grades.

Antilock Braking System

ABS

Driving off

1. Hold the vehicle in place with the foot brake.

2. Release the foot brake and drive off without

delay.

The Antilock Braking System (ABS) prevents

locking of the wheels during braking.

After the foot brake is released, the vehicle is

held in place for approx. 2 seconds.

The vehicle maintains its steerability even during

emergency braking, which increases the active

driving safety.

Depending on the vehicle loading, the vehicle

may roll back slightly.

ABS is operational every time you start the en‐

gine.

M Menu

Brake assistant

Principle

The Brake Assistant effects maximum braking

assistance when the brake is applied quickly. It

reduces the braking distance to a minimum dur‐

ing emergency braking. The advantages of the

Antilock Braking System (ABS) are thereby uti‐

lized.

Buttons M1 or M2 on the steering wheel can be

used to store individual settings for the vehicle

and call them up again as needed.

General information

The buttons are preset with the correct configu‐

ration for the vehicle and can be adjusted individ‐

ually.

Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal

for the duration of emergency braking.

When the drive-ready state is switched on after

the idle state, an efficient vehicle state is active

by default. The configuration via the buttons is

deactivated.

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Driving stability control systems

CONTROLS

Safety information

Icon Meaning

Depending on the equipment: "M

Traction Control": M Traction Control,

refer to page 219.

Warning

Depending on the setting, the DSC may only

be available to a limited extent or may not be

available when the M1 or M2 button is acti‐

vated. There may be a risk of accident or risk of

damage to property. Heed the settings for DSC

in iDrive and react actively, if necessary. Modify

your driving style and react, if necessary.

"Start/Stop": Auto Start/Stop function,

refer to page 129.

"Sound Control": Sound Control, refer to

page 148.

Overview

Settings

The settings for the following systems can be

stored in buttons M1 or M2:

Buttons on the steering wheel

Button Function

Icon Meaning

M1

"Engine": programs of M Engine Dynam‐

ics Control, refer to page 147.

M2

M Steptronic Sport transmission:

"Transmission": shift modes and Drive‐

logic programs.

Button in the center console

Drivelogic, refer to page 144.

Manual transmission:

"Gear Shift Assist.": RPM change at gear

change.

Gear Shift Assistant, refer to page 140.

"Chassis": programs of Adaptive M sus‐

pension, refer to page 271.

SETUP

"Steering": programs of Servotronic, re‐

fer to page 214.

"Brake": programs of brake, refer to

page 215.

Configuration

"DSC": Dynamic Stability Control, DSC,

refer to page 215, and M Dynamic

Mode, MDM, refer to page 217.

Via iDrive

1. "CAR"

2.

"M menu"

"M xDrive": programs of M xDrive, refer

to page 218.

3. "Configure M1" or "Configure M2"

4. Select the desired setting.

5. Select the desired program.

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Driving stability control systems

CONTROLS

The individual settings are stored for the configu‐

ration currently in use.

Display in the instrument cluster

Icon

Description

When M1 or M2 is active, any changes to the

setting are immediately applied.

Symbol lights up: corresponding

configuration is activated.

Using the button

A reduced number of systems and functions can

be adjusted directly.

Symbol lights up and additional

lettering "Cannot be activated"

appears: configuration cannot be

activated due to the current driv‐

ing situation.

1.

Press the button.

2. Turn the Controller to select the desired set‐

ting.

3. Press the Controller to change the desired

program.

Reactivate configuration when

the lettering goes out.

Activating

Press the corresponding button on the steering

wheel:

M MODE

▷

Activate M1.

Principle

▷

Activate M2.

The driving experience can be adjusted depend‐

ing on the situation using various programs.

If DSC OFF or MDM is set under "Configure

M1" or "Configure M2", a message is displayed

in the instrument cluster. This message is con‐

firmed by pressing the button again.

General information

The following programs are available:

▷ "ROAD"

Deactivating

▷ "SPORT"

Press the corresponding button on the steering

wheel.

▷ Depending on the equipment: "TRACK"

Safety information

Resetting the configuration

Individual settings can be reset to default values.

Warning

1. "CAR"

The system cannot serve as a substitute for the

driver’s personal judgment in assessing visibility

and traffic situation. There is a risk of accident.

Adjust driving style to traffic conditions. Watch

traffic closely and actively intervene where ap‐

propriate.

2.

"M menu"

3. "Configure M1" or "Configure M2"

4. "Reset"

5. "Yes"

To cancel resetting: "No"

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Driving stability control systems

CONTROLS

▷ Speed Limit Assistant.

▷ Speed Limit Info with preview.

Warning

Indicators and warnings cannot serve as a sub‐

stitute for the driver’s personal judgment. Due

to its limits, the system may not issue warnings

or reactions, or these may be issued late or in a

manner that is not consistent with their normal

use. There is a risk of accident. Adjust driving

style to traffic conditions. Watch traffic closely

and actively intervene where appropriate.

▷ Steering and traffic jam assistant.

▷ Traffic Jam Assistant.

▷ Lane change assistant.

Activating a system will automatically switch to

the program "ROAD".

Depending on the equipment:

TRACK

The Intelligent Safety systems are switched off.

Overview

In addition to the deactivated systems in the pro‐

gram "SPORT", the following systems are deac‐

tivated, depending on the equipment:

Button in the vehicle

▷ Speed Limit Info with no-passing indicator.

▷ Approach control warning with light braking

function.

▷ Evasion Assistant.

▷ Rear-end collision preparation.

▷ Hazard flashing with hard braking right before

standstill is deactivated.

▷ Control Display is switched off.

M MODE

▷ The functions of the entertainment system

are switched off.

Programs

Selecting a program

Press the button to switch between

"ROAD" and "SPORT".

ROAD

▷ All Intelligent Safety systems are switched on.

Depending on the equipment:

▷ All assist systems are available.

To switch to the program "TRACK", hold the

button down until a message is displayed on the

Control Display. Confirm the message.

SPORT

The Intelligent Safety systems are switched on

according to the individual settings.

Pressing the button again switches back to the

program "ROAD".

Depending on the equipment, the following sys‐

tems are deactivated:

Display

▷ Manual Speed Limiter.

▷ Cruise control.

The display in the instrument cluster and the dis‐

play of the Head-up Display change with the se‐

lected program as follows:

▷ Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function

ACC.

213

Driving stability control systems

CONTROLS

Overview

Program

"ROAD"

Display

Standard View.

Button in the vehicle

"SPORT"

M View: individually set widg‐

ets are displayed.

Depending on M View: individually set widg‐

the equipment: ets are displayed.

"TRACK"

Additional lettering "TRACK"

in the instrument display.

Servotronic

SETUP

Principle

Servotronic is a speed-dependent power steer‐

ing function.

Selecting a program

Using the button

The system provides the steering force with

more support at low speeds than at higher ones.

This makes it easier to park, for instance, and

makes steering firmer when driving at faster

speeds.

Press the button and select the desired

program on the Control Display.

Via iDrive

It is possible to configure the required program

for buttons M1 or M2.

Furthermore, the steering force adapts according

to the program, so that a firm, sporty feel or a

comfortable steering response is conveyed.

1. "CAR"

General information

2.

3. "Configure M1" or "Configure M2"

4. "Steering"

"M menu"

The system offers several different steering

force tunings.

Program

Steering force tuning

5. Select the desired program.

"COMFORT" Low steering forces, good road‐

way feedback.

The setting is immediately applied with active

M1 or M2 configuration.

"SPORT"

High steering forces, maximum

roadway feedback.

To activate the desired configuration with the se‐

lected settings, press the corresponding button

on the steering wheel:

▷

214

Driving stability control systems

CONTROLS

Display in the instrument cluster

Selecting a program

Using the button

When the display of the widget in the in‐

strument cluster for M SETUP is acti‐

vated, the selected program is displayed.

Press the button and select the desired

program on the Control Display.

Additional information:

Widgets in the instrument cluster, refer to

page 151.

Via iDrive

It is possible to configure the required program

for buttons M1 or M2.

Brake

1. "CAR"

2.

3. "Configure M1" or "Configure M2"

4. "Brake"

"M menu"

Principle

The sensitivity of the brake pedal motions to the

braking response can be adjusted.

5. Select the desired program.

The setting is immediately applied with active

M1 or M2 configuration.

General information

The system offers different levels of brake sensi‐

tivities:

To activate the desired configuration with the se‐

lected settings, press the corresponding button

on the steering wheel:

Program

Response behavior

Comfortable braking.

Sensitive braking.

"COMFORT"

"SPORT"

▷

Overview

Display in the instrument cluster

Button in the vehicle

When the display of the widget in the in‐

strument cluster for M SETUP is acti‐

vated, the selected program is displayed.

Additional information:

Widgets in the instrument cluster, refer to

page 151.

DSC Dynamic Stability

Control

SETUP

Principle

The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) helps to

keep the vehicle on a steady course by reducing

215

Driving stability control systems

CONTROLS

drive power and by brake intervention on individ‐

ual wheels.

Overview

Button in the vehicle

General information

DSC detects the following unstable driving con‐

ditions, for instance:

▷ Skidding, which can lead to oversteering.

▷ Loss of adhesion of the front wheels, which

can lead to understeering.

Safety information

DSC OFF

Warning

The system cannot serve as a substitute for the

driver’s personal judgment in assessing the

traffic situation. Based on the limits of the sys‐

tem, it cannot independently react to all traffic

situations. There is a risk of accident. Adjust

driving style to traffic conditions. Watch traffic

closely and actively intervene where appropri‐

ate.

Deactivating/activating DSC

General information

When DSC is deactivated, driving stability is re‐

duced during acceleration and when driving in

curves.

To increase driving stability, activate DSC again

as soon as possible.

Warning

Deactivating DSC

When driving with a roof load, for instance with

roof-mounted luggage rack, the vehicle's cen‐

ter of gravity is higher, which increases the risk

of the vehicle tipping in critical driving situa‐

tions. There may be a risk of accident or risk of

damage to property. Driving with roof load only

with activated Dynamic Stability Control.

Hold the button down until DSC OFF is

displayed in the instrument cluster and

the DSC OFF indicator light is illuminated.

M xDrive appears on the Control Display. The re‐

quired program can be selected.

Additional information:

M xDrive, refer to page 218.

Activating DSC

Press the button.

DSC OFF and the DSC OFF indicator

light turn off.

216

Driving stability control systems

CONTROLS

Display

Safety information

In the instrument cluster

When DSC is deactivated, DSC OFF is displayed

in the instrument cluster.

Warning

When M Dynamic Mode is activated, stabilizing

interventions are carried out only to a reduced

extent. There may be a risk of accident or risk

of damage to property. Adjust driving style to

traffic conditions. Watch traffic closely and ac‐

tively intervene where appropriate. Do not jerk

the steering wheel in response to a warning.

Indicator/warning lights

The indicator light lights up: DSC is de‐

activated.

The indicator light flashes: DSC controls

the drive and braking forces.

Overview

The indicator light lights up: DSC has

malfunctioned.

Button in the vehicle

M Dynamic Mode MDM

Principle

M Dynamic Mode MDM makes it possible to

drive with high longitudinal and lateral accelera‐

tion but with limited driving stability.

Only in the absolute limit area does the system

intervene for stabilization by reducing the engine

power and by brake interventions on the wheels.

In this driving condition, additional steering cor‐

rections may be necessary.

DSC OFF

Activate/deactivate

General information

When M Dynamic Mode MDM is activated, the

active M xDrive program is: "4WD SPORT"

Using the button

Press the button.

You may find it useful to briefly activate MDM

under the following special circumstances:

Via iDrive

▷ When freeing vehicle from deep snow or driv‐

ing off from loose ground.

It is possible to configure M Dynamic Mode

MDM for buttons M1 or M2.

▷ With an increased need for dynamics or lon‐

gitudinal acceleration, for instance when driv‐

ing on a race track.

1. "CAR"

2.

3. "Configure M1" or "Configure M2"

4. "DSC"

5. "MDM"

"M menu"

To increase driving stability, activate DSC again.

217

Driving stability control systems

CONTROLS

To activate the desired configuration with the se‐

lected settings, press the corresponding button

on the steering wheel:

General information

Three M xDrive programs are available when

DSC Dynamic Stability Control is deactivated.

▷

Overview

▷

Button in the vehicle

A message appears in the instrument cluster.

This message is confirmed by pressing the but‐

ton again.

Display in the instrument cluster

Icon

Description

Symbols light up:

M Dynamic Mode is activated.

SETUP

Programs

DSC indicator light also flashes:

M Dynamic Mode controls the

drive forces and braking forces.

Program

Distribution of driving forces

"4WD"

Front and rear axles.

Indicator lights light up:

"4WD

SPORT"

Front and rear axles.

M Dynamic Mode or DSC mal‐

function.

Main component, rear axle.

"2WD"

Rear axle.

A program is activated automatically in the fol‐

lowing situations:

M xDrive

▷ When the drive-ready state is switched on:

"4WD".

Principle

▷ When MDM is activated: "4WD SPORT".

▷ When DSC is activated: "4WD".

M xDrive is the all-wheel-drive system of the ve‐

hicle. M xDrive and DSC Dynamic Stability Con‐

trol work together to optimize the traction and

driving dynamics. M xDrive variably distributes

the drive forces to the front and rear axles as de‐

manded by the driving situation and road condi‐

tion.

▷ With activated M Drift Analyzer: "2WD"

Selecting a program

General information

Changing programs in dynamic driving situations

is not possible.

218

Driving stability control systems

CONTROLS

Using the button

M Traction Control

Press the button and select the desired

program on the Control Display.

Principle

M Traction Control permits the gradual adjust‐

ment of the wheel-slip behavior of the rear

wheels during acceleration by regulating the driv‐

ing power accordingly.

Via iDrive

It is possible to configure the required program

for buttons M1 or M2.

1. "CAR"

General information

If DSC is deactivated after the idle state, the M

Traction Control level OFF/Level 0 is set.

2.

"M menu"

3. "Configure M1" or "Configure M2"

4. Deactivate DSC, if needed.

Safety information

5.

"M xDrive"

6. Select the desired program.

Warning

The setting is immediately applied with active

M1 or M2 configuration.

The deactivation of the Dynamic Stability Con‐

trol DSC limits the driving stability. Depending

on the selected setting of the M Traction Con‐

trol, the minor or major wheelspin is possible,

which limits the tracking, e.g., while accelerat‐

ing. There may be a risk of accident or risk of

damage to property. Adjust driving style to traf‐

fic conditions. Watch traffic closely and actively

intervene where appropriate.

To activate the desired configuration with the se‐

lected settings, press the corresponding button

on the steering wheel:

▷

Display in the instrument cluster

Functional requirement

The DSC Dynamic Stability Control is deacti‐

vated.

Icon

Description

The indicator light is illuminated

and 4WD appears in the instru‐

ment cluster:

Additional information:

DSC Dynamic Stability Control, refer to

page 215

"4WD" is activated.

The indicator light is illuminated

and 4WD Sport appears in the

instrument cluster:

"4WD SPORT" is activated.

The indicator lights are illumi‐

nated and 2WD appears in the

instrument cluster:

"2WD" is activated.

219

Driving stability control systems

CONTROLS

Settings

Displays in the instrument

cluster

Using the button

Icon

Description

Symbols light up:

DSC is deactivated.

DSC indicator light also blinks:

M Traction Control is also regu‐

lating the driving power.

1.

2.

Press the button.

"M Traction Control"

M Traction Control level display.

3. Select the desired setting:

Icon is blinking: M Traction Con‐

trol level is changed.

▷ OFF/Level 0: support switched off. Signifi‐

cant wheel spinning possible.

▷ Level 10: maximum support. Slight wheel

spinning possible.

M Drift Analyzer

Via iDrive

It is possible to configure the required program

for buttons M1 or M2.

Principle

With activated M Drift Analyzer, the active M

xDrive program is: "2WD".

1. "CAR"

2.

"M menu"

The M Drift Analyzer detects and evaluates

when the vehicle is moved in the drift.

3. "Configure M1" or "Configure M2"

4. Deactivate DSC, if needed.

General information

For safety reasons, the use of the M Drift Ana‐

lyzer is only permitted outside of public road traf‐

fic and under suitable ambient conditions.

5.

"M Traction Control"

6. Select the desired setting.

The setting is immediately applied with active

M1 or M2 configuration.

Higher mechanical and thermal loads while drift‐

ing lead to increased wear. This wear is not cov‐

ered by the warranty. Check the tire condition

and the tire tread depth before driving off.

To activate the desired configuration with the se‐

lected settings, press the corresponding button

on the steering wheel:

▷

The data can be recorded as individual drifts or

as total distance in a drift session.

▷

M Traction Control assists the driver depending

on the setting.

Additional information:

220

Driving stability control systems

CONTROLS

M Traction Control, refer to page 219.

3. Move Controller to the right, if needed.

4. "Activate"

Safety information

5. Confirm message.

Via iDrive

Warning

1. "CAR"

The deactivation of the Dynamic Stability Con‐

trol DSC limits the driving stability. Depending

on the selected setting of the M Traction Con‐

trol, the minor or major wheelspin is possible,

which limits the tracking, e.g., while accelerat‐

ing. There may be a risk of accident or risk of

damage to property. Adjust driving style to traf‐

fic conditions. Watch traffic closely and actively

intervene where appropriate.

2.

"M menu"

3. "M Drift Analyzer"

4. Tilt the Controller to the right.

5. "Activate"

6. If necessary, "OK"

Start/end drift session

1. "CAR"

Overview

2.

"M menu"

3. "M Drift Analyzer"

Button in the vehicle

4. Tilt the Controller to the right.

5. "Drift Session"

6. Depending on the setting:

▷ "Start drift session"

▷ "End drift session"

Set the M Traction Control level

1. "CAR"

2.

"M menu"

DSC OFF

3. "M Drift Analyzer"

4. Tilt the Controller to the right.

Activate/deactivate

General information

5.

"M Traction Control"

6. Select the desired setting.

When the M Drift Analyzer is activated, the Dy‐

namic Stability Control DSC is deactivated.

Displays

Indications on the Control Display

The system detects independently when a single

drift starts and ends.

General information

Using the button

Depending on the setting, the following informa‐

tion is displayed on the Control Display:

1.

Press and hold this button.

▷ Values of the last and best single drift.

▷ Values of the last drift session.

2. "Start M Drift Analyzer"

221

Driving stability control systems

CONTROLS

Displays

Drift Session

1. "CAR"

The values will automatically be reset when a

new drift session starts.

2.

"M menu"

3. "M Drift Analyzer"

4. Tilt the Controller to the right.

5. Depending on the setting:

▷ "Single drift"

Active M differential

The active M differential provides for continu‐

ously variable locking of the rear axle differential

depending on the driving situation. This prevents

individual rear wheels from spinning even when

DSC is switched off and in M Dynamic Mode,

enabling optimum traction to be achieved in all

driving situations.

▷ "Drift Session"

Displays in the instrument cluster

The following icons are displayed in the instru‐

ment cluster and, where applicable, in the Head-

up display.

The driver is responsible adapting his or her driv‐

ing style to the situation.

Icon

Description

Assessment of the current drift.

The number of stars that can be

reached varies depending on

the selected M Traction Control

level.

The better the drift, the more

stars are filled out.

Current drift is the best drift.

M Drift Analyzer is activated.

For an optimal drift, apply the

accelerator pedal less.

Reset the data

Single drift

1. "CAR"

2.

"M menu"

3. "M Drift Analyzer"

4. "Reset"

5. "OK"

222

CONTROLS -> Driving stability control systems for Your BMW M4 2 Door Second Generation (2021-2025)

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