Get Controls -> Driving comfort Guide for BMW M5 4 Door Fifth Generation (2011-2016)

Driving stability control systems

Controls

DSC OFF button

DSC Dynamic Stability

Control

Indicator/warning lights

The concept

DSC prevents traction loss in the power

wheels when driving off and accelerating.

The indicator lamp flashes: DSC con‐

trols the drive and braking forces.

The indicator lamp lights up: DSC has

DSC also recognizes unstable vehicle condi‐

tions such as fishtailing or nose-diving. Within

the physical limits DSC helps to keep the vehi‐

cle on a steady course by reducing engine

speed and by applying brakes to the individual

wheels.

failed.

M Dynamic Mode MDM

M Dynamic Mode makes it possible to drive on

a dry roadway with high longitudinal and trans‐

verse acceleration but with limited driving sta‐

bility.

Note

Adjust your driving style to the situation

Only in the absolute limit area does the system

intervene for stabilization by reducing the en‐

gine power and by braking interventions on the

wheels. In this driving condition, additional

steering corrections may be necessary.

An appropriate driving style is always the

responsibility of the driver.

The laws of physics cannot be repealed, not

even with DSC.

Limited stabilizing interventions

Therefore, do not reduce the additional safety

margin by driving in a risky manner.◀

When M Dynamic Mode is activated, sta‐

bilizing interventions are carried out only to a

reduced extent. You must react yourself; oth‐

erwise, there is the risk of an accident.◀

Do not deactivate DSC when driving with

roof load

Do not deactivate Dynamic Stability Control

DSC when driving with roof load, e.g. roof-

mounted luggage rack.

To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC

again as soon as possible.

Otherwise, driving safety is not given in driv‐

ing-critical situation due to the elevated center

of gravity.◀

Activating MDM

Press button briefly.

The MDM and DSC OFF indicator lights

on the instrument cluster light up.

Overview

Button in the vehicle

Deactivating MDM

Press button.

The MDM and DSC OFF indicator lights

go out.

129

Controls

Driving stability control systems

Via M Drive

Deactivating DSC: DSC OFF

On the Control Display:

When DSC is deactivated, driving stability is

reduced during acceleration and when driving

in curves.

1. "Settings"

2. "M Drive 1" or "M Drive 2"

To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC

again as soon as possible.

3.

Select the symbol.

4. "MDM"

Deactivating DSC

To open M Drive with the selected settings,

press the corresponding button on the steer‐

ing wheel:

Press and hold this button but not longer

than approx. 10 seconds, until the indica‐

tor lamp for DSC OFF lights up in the instru‐

ment cluster and displays DSC OFF.

▷

The DSC system is switched off.

▷

A message appears in the instrument cluster.

This message is confirmed by pressing the

button again.

Activating DSC

Press button.

DSC OFF and the DSC OFF indicator

lamp go out.

Deactivating MDM

Press the appropriate button 1 or button 2 on

the steering wheel again.

Via M Drive

M Dynamic Mode and the settings selected

under M Drive are deactivated.

On the Control Display:

1. "Settings"

2. "M Drive 1" or "M Drive 2"

Indicator/warning lights

3.

Select the symbol.

Indicator lights light up:

4. "DSC OFF"

M Dynamic Mode is activated.

To open M Drive with the selected settings,

press the corresponding button on the steer‐

ing wheel:

▷

DSC indicator lamp also flashes:

M Dynamic Mode controls the drive

forces and brake forces.

▷

Indicator lights light up:

A message appears in the instrument cluster.

This message is confirmed by pressing the

button again.

M Dynamic Mode or DSC has failed.

Indicator/warning lights

When DSC is deactivated, DSC OFF is dis‐

played in the instrument cluster.

130

Driving stability control systems

Controls

The indicator lamp lights up: DSC is

deactivated.

When M Drive is active, setting is immedi‐

ately applied.

To activate M Drive with the selected settings,

press the corresponding button on the steer‐

ing wheel:

Active M differential

▷

The concept

▷

The active M differential assures continuously

variable locking of the rear axle differential de‐

pending on the driving situation. This prevents

individual rear wheels from spinning even

when DSC is switched off and in M Dynamic

Mode, so that optimum traction is always as‐

sured in all driving situations.

Using the button

The driver is responsible adapting his or her

driving behavior to the situation.

Dynamic Damping Control

The concept

Press button repeatedly until the desired

program is displayed in the instrument

cluster.

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 fitting road surface and driving style.

Display in the instrument cluster

Dynamic Damping Control with se‐

lected program with activated display

of the system states of the driving dy‐

namics, refer to page 90.

Programs

Setting options for calibrating the shock ab‐

sorbers:

▷

"Comfort": comfort-oriented.

"Sport": balanced out.

Servotronic

"Sport Plus": consistently sporty.

The concept

Selecting a channel

The Servotronic varies the steering force re‐

quired to turn the wheels in accordance with

the vehicle speed. At low speeds, the steering

force is strongly supported, i. e. during steer‐

ing, low force is required. As the speed in‐

creases, the assistance of the steering force is

reduced.

Via M Drive

On the Control Display:

1. "Settings"

2. "M Drive 1" or "M Drive 2"

3.

Select the symbol.

Furthermore, the steering force adapts accord‐

ing to the driving program, so that a direct,

4. Select the desired channel.

131

Controls

Driving stability control systems

sporty feel and/or comfortable steering is con‐

veyed.

Display in the instrument cluster

Servotronic with selected program with

activated display of the System states

of the driving dynamics, refer to

page 90.

Programs

Steering force setting options:

▷

"Comfort": low.

"Sport": medium.

"Sport Plus": high.

Selecting a channel

Via M Drive

On the Control Display:

1. "Settings"

2. "M Drive 1" or "M Drive 2"

3.

Select the symbol.

4. Select the desired channel.

When M Drive is active, setting is immedi‐

ately applied.

To activate M Drive with the selected settings,

press the corresponding button on the steer‐

ing wheel:

▷

Using the button

Press button repeatedly until the desired

program is displayed in the instrument

cluster.

132

Driving comfort

Controls

Driving comfort

Controls

Vehicle features and options

This chapter describes all standard, country-

specific and optional features offered with the

series. It also describes features that are not

necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to

the selected options or country versions. This

also applies to safety-related functions and

systems. The respectively applicable country

provisions must be observed when using the

respective features and systems.

Overview

Press but‐

ton

Function

Cruise control on/off, interrupt,

refer to page 133

Store/maintain speed, refer to

page 134

Resume speed, refer to

page 134

Cruise control

rocker switch:

The concept

Maintain, store, change speed,

refer to page 134

The system maintains a preset speed via the

buttons on the steering wheel. The system

brakes on downhill gradients if engine braking

is insufficient.

Buttons are arranged according to vehicle's

series, optional features and country specifica‐

tions.

General information

Depending on the driving settings, the features

of the cruise control can change in certain

areas.

Switching on

Press button on the steering wheel.

Hints

The marking in the speedometer is set to the

current speed.

Unfavorable conditions

The cruise control can be used.

Do not use the system if unfavorable

conditions make it impossible to drive at a con‐

stant speed, e.g.:

Switch off

Deactivated or interrupted system

▷

On winding roads.

In heavy traffic.

With deactivated or interrupted system

use your brakes, steering and moves as usual

to avoid the chance of an accident.◀

On slippery roads, in fog, snow or rain, or

on a loose road surface.

Otherwise, you could lose control of the vehi‐

cle and cause an accident.◀

Press button on the steering wheel.

▷

If active: press twice.

If interrupted: press once.

133

Controls

Driving comfort

The displays go out. The stored desired speed

is deleted.

This is displayed, refer to page 134, in the

speedometer and briefly in the instrument

cluster.

Interrupting

When cruise control is maintained or stored,

DSC Dynamic Stability Control will be turned

on if needed.

When active, press the button.

The system is automatically interrupted if:

Changing the speed

▷

The brakes are applied.

Press the rocker switch up or down repeatedly

until the desired speed is set.

The clutch pedal is depressed for a few

seconds or released while a gear is not en‐

gaged.

If active, the displayed speed is stored and the

vehicle reaches the stored speed when the

road is clear.

▷

Selector lever position D is disengaged.

MDM is activated or DSC is deactivated.

DSC is actively controlling stability.

▷

Each time the rocker switch is pressed to

the point of resistance, the desired speed

increases or decreases by approx.

1 mph/1 km/h.

Maintaining, storing, and changing the

speed

▷

Each time the rocker switch is pressed

past the point of resistance, the desired

speed increases or decreases by a maxi‐

mum of 5 mph/10 km/h.

Hints

Adjusting the desired speed

The maximum speed that can be set de‐

pends on the vehicle.

Modify desired speed to road conditions

and be ready to brake at all times; otherwise,

there is the risk of an accident.◀

▷

Pressing the rocker switch to the resist‐

ance point and holding it accelerates or de‐

celerates the vehicle without requiring

pressure on the accelerator pedal.

Maintaining/storing the speed

Press button.

Or:

After the rocker switch is released, the ve‐

hicle maintains its final speed. Pressing the

switch beyond the resistance point causes

the vehicle to accelerate more rapidly.

Resuming the desired speed

Press button.

The stored speed is reached and maintained.

Displays in the instrument cluster

Indicator lamp

Press the rocker switch while the system is in‐

terrupted.

Depending on how the vehicle is equip‐

ped, the indicator lamp in the instru‐

When the system is switched on, the current

speed is maintained and stored as the desired

speed.

134

Driving comfort

Controls

ment cluster indicates whether the system is

switched on.

An acoustic warning is first given:

▷

By the front sensors and the two rear cor‐

ner sensors at approx. 24 in/60 cm.

Desired speed

▷

By the rear middle sensors at approx.

5 ft/1.50 m.

▷

The marking lights up green:

the system is active.

To ensure full functionality:

▷

Do not cover sensors, e.g., with stickers,

bicycle racks.

▷

The marking lights up or‐

ange: the system has been

interrupted.

▷

Keep the sensors clean and free of ice.

▷

The marking does not light up: the system

is switched off.

When using high-pressure washers, do not

spray the sensors for long periods and

maintain a distance of at least 12 in/30 cm.

Brief status display

Hints

Selected desired speed.

Personal responsibility

Even an active system does not relieve

the driver from personal responsibility while

driving.

If --- appears briefly on the display for Check

Control messages, it is possible that the sys‐

tem requirements are currently not ready for

operations.

Technically the system has its limits, it cannot

independently react to all traffic situations.

Monitor your driving, be on the alert, observe

the vehicle surroundings and other traffic and

react when needed - risk of accident.◀

Displays in the Head-up Display

Some system information can also be dis‐

played in the Head-up Display.

Avoid driving fast with PDC

Avoid approaching an object too fast.

PDC Park Distance Control

Avoid driving off fast while PDC is not yet ac‐

tive.

The concept

For technical reasons, the system may other‐

wise be too late in issuing a warning.◀

PDC is a support when parking. When you

slowly approach an object in the rear - or also

in the front of the vehicle if the feature is availa‐

ble - then the object is reported through:

▷

Signal tones.

Visual display.

General information

Ultrasound sensors in the bumpers measure

the distances from objects.

The maneuvering range, depending on the ob‐

stacle and environmental conditions, is approx.

6 ft/2 m.

135

Controls

Driving comfort

if an object is detected to the left rear of the

vehicle, a signal tone sounds from the left rear

speaker.

Overview

With front PDC: button in vehicle

The shorter the distance to the object, the

shorter the intervals.

If the distance to a detected object is less than

approx. 10 in/25 cm, a continuous tone is

sounded.

With front PDC: if objects are located both in

front of and behind the vehicle, an alternating

continuous signal is sounded.

An interval tone is interrupted with the appro‐

priate equipment after about 3 seconds:

PDC Park Distance Control

▷

If the vehicle stops in front of an object that

is detected by only one of the corner sen‐

sors.

Switching on/off

▷

If moving parallel to a wall.

Switching on automatically

With the engine running, engage lever in posi‐

tion P R.

Volume

The volume of the PDC signal tone can be ad‐

justed similar to the sound and volume set‐

tings of the radio.

The rearview camera also switches on.

Automatic deactivation during forward

travel

The system switches off when a certain driving

distance or speed is exceeded.

Settings are stored for the profile currently in

use.

Visual warning

Switch the system back on if needed.

The approach of the vehicle to an object can

be shown on the Control Display. Objects that

are farther away are already displayed on the

Control Display before a signal sounds.

With front PDC: switching on/off

manually

Press button.

A display appears as soon as Park Distance

Control (PDC) is activated.

▷

On: the LED lights up.

Off: the LED goes out.

The range of the sensors is represented in the

colors green, yellow and red.

The rearview camera image is displayed when

the reverse gear is engaged by pressing the

button.

When the image of the rearview camera is dis‐

played, the reel can be made to PDC:

"Rear view camera"

Display

System limits

Signal tones

Limits of ultrasonic measurement

When approaching an object, an intermittent

sound indicates the position of the object. E. g.

Ultrasonic measuring might not function under

the following circumstances:

136

Driving comfort

Controls

▷

For small children and animals.

▷

Through heavy pollution.

For persons with certain clothing, e.g.

coats.

Due to other ultrasound sources, e.g.,

sweeping machines, high pressure steam

cleaners or neon lights.

▷

With external interference of the ultra‐

sound, e.g. from passing vehicles or loud

machines.

Malfunction

A Check Control message is displayed.

▷

When sensors are dirty, iced over, dam‐

aged or out of position.

The range of the sensors is shown as a shaded

area on the Control Display.

Under certain weather conditions such as

high relative humidity, rain, snowfall, ex‐

treme heat or strong wind.

PDC has failed. Have the system checked.

To ensure full functionality:

▷

With tow bars and trailer couplings of other

vehicles.

▷

Keep the sensors clean and free of ice.

dimmedDo not put any stickers on sen‐

sors.

▷

With thin or wedge-shaped objects.

With moving objects.

▷

When using high-pressure washers, do not

spray the sensors for long periods and

maintain a distance of at least 12 in/30 cm.

With elevated, protruding objects such as

ledges or cargo.

▷

With objects with corners and sharp edges.

With objects with a fine surface structure

such as fences.

Surround View

▷

For objects with porous surfaces.

The concept

Low objects already displayed, e.g., curbs, can

move into the blind area of the sensors before

or after a continuous tone sounds.

Surround View comprises various camera as‐

sistance systems that help the driver when

parking, maneuvering, and at complex exits

and intersections.

False warnings

▷

Rearview camera, refer to page 137

Side View, refer to page 140.

Top View, refer to page 141.

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

with ice.

Rearview camera

▷

When sensors are covered in snow.

On rough road surfaces.

The concept

The rearview camera provides assistance in

parking and maneuvering backwards. The area

behind the vehicle is shown on the Control

Display.

On uneven surfaces, such as speed

bumps.

▷

In large buildings with right angles and

smooth walls, e.g., in underground ga‐

rages.

In automatic car washes.

137

Controls

Driving comfort

Hints

Automatic deactivation during forward

travel

The system switches off when a certain driving

distance or speed is exceeded.

Check the traffic situation as well

Check the traffic situation around the ve‐

hicle with your own eyes. Otherwise, an acci‐

dent could result from road users or objects

that are not lidtured by the camera.◀

Switch the system back on if needed.

Switching on/off manually

Press button.

At a glance

Button in the vehicle

▷

On: the LED lights up.

Off: the LED goes out.

The PDC is shown on the Control Display.

The rearview camera image is displayed when

the reverse gear is engaged by pressing the

button.

Switching the view via iDrive

With PDC activated:

With PDC activated or Top View switched on:

"Rear view camera"

Rearview camera

The rearview camera image is displayed.

Camera

Display on the Control Display

Functional requirement

▷

The rearview camera is switched on.

The trunk lid is fully closed.

Activating assistance functions

More than one assistance function can be ac‐

tive at the same time.

The camera lens is located in the handle of the

tail gate. The image quality may be impaired by

dirt.

▷

Parking aid lines

"Parking aid lines"

Lanes and turning radius are indicated.

Obstacle marking

Clean the camera lens, refer to page 219.

▷

"Obstacle marking"

Switching on/off

Spatially-shaped markings are displayed.

Switching on automatically

With the engine running, engage lever in posi‐

tion P R.

138

Driving comfort

Controls

Pathway lines

Obstacle marking

Obstacle markings can be faded into the image

of the rearview camera.

▷

Pathway lines can be superimposed on the

image of the rearview camera.

Their colored margins match the markings of

the PDC. This simplifies estimation of the dis‐

tance to the object shown.

They help you to estimate how much

space is needed when parking and maneu‐

vering on level pavement.

▷

They are dependent on the current steer‐

ing angle and are continuously adjusted to

the steering wheel movements.

Parking using pathway and turning

radius lines

1. Position the vehicle so that the turning ra‐

dius lines lead to within the limits of the

parking space.

Turning circle lines

▷

Turning circle lines can only be superim‐

posed on the rearview camera image to‐

gether with pathway lines.

2. Turn the steering wheel to the point where

the pathway line covers the corresponding

turning radius line.

▷

They show the course of the smallest pos‐

sible turning radius on a level road.

Only one turning radius line is displayed af‐

ter the steering wheel is turned past a cer‐

tain angle.

139

Controls

Driving comfort

Display settings

Brightness

Hints

The images from both cameras are shown si‐

multaneously on the Control Display.

With the rearview camera switched on:

Check the traffic situation as well

1. Select the symbol.

Check the traffic situation around the ve‐

hicle on blind driveways and intersections with

your own eyes. Otherwise, an accident could

result from road users or objects located out‐

side the picture area of the Side View cam‐

eras.◀

2. Turn the controller until the desired setting

is reached, and press the controller.

Contrast

With the rearview camera switched on:

1.

Select the symbol.

At a glance

2. Turn the controller until the desired setting

is reached, and press the controller.

Button in the vehicle

System limits

Detection of objects

Very low obstacles as well as high, protruding

objects such as ledges may not be detected by

the system.

Assistance functions also take into account

data of the PDC.

Follow instructions in the PDC chapter, refer to

page 135.

Side View

The objects displayed on the Control Display

under certain circumstances are closer than

they appear. Do not estimate the distance from

the objects on the display.

Cameras

Side View

The concept

Side View provides an early look at cross traffic

at blind driveways and intersections. Road

users concealed by obstacles to the left and

right of the vehicle can only be detected rela‐

tively late from the driver's seat. To improve

visibility, two cameras in the front of the vehi‐

cle record the traffic situation on each side.

Two cameras integrated in the bumpers cap‐

ture the image.

The two camera lenses are located on the

sides of the bumper.

The image quality may be impaired by dirt.

Clean the camera lenses, refer to page 219.

140

Driving comfort

Controls

Switching on/off

System limits

The cameras lidture a maximum range of

330 ft/100 m.

Switching on/off manually

Press button.

Top View

Automatic deactivation during forward

travel

The concept

The system switches off when a certain driving

distance or speed is exceeded.

Top View provides assistance in parking and

maneuvering. The area around the doors and

the road area around the vehicle are shown on

the Control Display for this purpose.

Switch the system back on if needed.

Display

General information

The traffic area to the left and right is displayed

on the Control Display.

The image is lidtured by two cameras

integrated in the exterior mirrors and by the

rearview camera.

The range is at least 7 ft/2 m to the side and

rear.

In this way, obstacles up to the height of the

exterior mirrors are detected early.

Hints

Check the traffic situation as well

Guidelines at the bottom of the image show

the position of the front of the vehicle.

Check the traffic situation around the ve‐

hicle with your own eyes. Otherwise, an acci‐

dent could result from road users or objects

that are not lidtured by the camera.◀

Brightness

With the Side View switched on:

Overview

1.

"Brightness"

Button in the vehicle

2. Turn the controller until the desired setting

is reached, and press the controller.

Contrast

With the Side View switched on:

1.

"Contrast"

2. Turn the controller until the desired setting

is reached, and press the controller.

Top View

141

Controls

Driving comfort

Cameras

Display

Visual warning

The approach of the vehicle to an object can

be shown on the Control Display.

When the distance to an object is small, a red

bar is shown in front of the vehicle, as it is in

the PDC display.

The lenses of the Top View camera are located

at the bottom in the mirror housings. The im‐

age quality may be impaired by dirt.

Clean the camera lenses, refer to page 219.

Switching on/off

The display appears as soon as Top View is

activated.

Switching on automatically

With the engine running, engage lever in posi‐

tion P R.

When the image of the rearview camera is dis‐

played, it is possible to reel to top view:

The rearview camera image is displayed. To

switch to the Top View:

"Rear view camera"

Brightness

With Top View switched on:

Automatic deactivation during forward

travel

The system switches off when a certain driving

distance or speed is exceeded.

1.

Select the symbol.

2. Turn the controller until the desired setting

is reached, and press the controller.

Switch the system back on if needed.

Contrast

With Top View switched on:

Switching on/off manually

Press button.

1.

Select the symbol.

2. Turn the controller until the desired setting

is reached, and press the controller.

▷

On: the LED lights up.

Off: the LED goes out.

Top View is displayed.

Displaying the turning radius and

pathway lines

The rearview camera image is displayed when

the reverse gear is engaged by pressing the

button.

▷

The static, red turning radius line shows

the space needed to the side of the vehicle

when the steering wheel is turned all the

way.

142

Driving comfort

Controls

▷

The variable, green pathway line assists

you in assessing the amount of space ac‐

tually needed to the side of the vehicle.

The lane line depends on the engaged

gear and the current steering angle. The

track line is continuously adjusted for the

steering wheel movement.

"Parking aid lines"

Turning circle and pathway lines are displayed.

System limits

Top View cannot be used in the following sit‐

uations:

▷

With a door open.

With the trunk lid open.

With an exterior mirror folded in.

In poor light.

A Check Control message is displayed in some

of these situations.

143

Controls -> Driving comfort for Your BMW M5 4 Door Fifth Generation (2011-2016)

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