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EnglishControls -> Driving for your BMW 3 Series 2006-2013
Driving
Ignition lock
Start/stop button
Insert the remote control into the
ignition lock
Pressing the start/stop button switches radio
readiness or the ignition on or off.
Manual transmission: the engine is
started when you press the start/stop
button and depress the clutch.
Automatic transmission: the engine is started
when you press the start/stop button and
depress the brake.<
Insert the remote control all the way into the
ignition lock.
>
Radio readiness is switched on.
Individual electrical consumers can operate.
Comfort Access*
If the car is equipped with Comfort Access, only
insert the remote control into the ignition lock
under special circumstances, refer to page 34.
Radio readiness
Individual electrical consumers can operate.
The time and the outside temperature are dis-
played in the instrument cluster.
Removing the remote control from the
ignition lock
Radio readiness is switched off automatically:
>
When the remote control is removed from
the ignition lock
Do not forcibly pull the remote control out
of the ignition lock as this may cause
damage.<
>
In cars with Comfort Access*, by touching
the surface above the door lock, refer to
Locking on page 34
Before removing the remote control, push it all
the way in to release the locking mechanism.
>
The ignition is switched off if it was on.
Ignition on
All electrical consumers can operate. The
odometer and trip odometer are displayed in
the instrument cluster.
Automatic transmission
You cannot take out the remote control unless
the selector lever is in the P position: interlock.
When the engine is off, please switch off
the ignition and any unnecessary electri-
cal consumers in order to preserve the bat-
tery.<
54
The starter operates automatically for a certain
time, and stops automatically as soon as the
engine has started.
Radio readiness and ignition off
All indicator and warning lamps as well as dis-
plays in the instrument cluster go out.
Automatic transmission
Remote control in the ignition lock or, with
Comfort Access, inside the vehicle, refer to
page 34.
Starting the engine
Do not run the engine in enclosed areas;
otherwise, the inhalation of toxic exhaust
gases can cause loss of consciousness and
death. The exhaust gases contain carbon mon-
oxide, an odorless and colorless, but highly
toxic gas. Never leave an unattended vehicle
with the engine running; otherwise, such a vehi-
cle represents a potential safety hazard.
Before leaving the car with the engine running,
place the transmission in neutral or move the
selector lever to position P and forcefully apply
the parking brake to prevent the car from mov-
ing.<
1. Depress the brake.
2. Move the selector lever to position P.
3. Press the start/stop button.
The starter operates automatically for a certain
time, and stops automatically as soon as the
engine has started.
Diesel engine
When the engine is cold and temperatures are
below approx. 327/06, the starting process
may take a little more time due to automatic
preheating. The preheating indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster comes on; at the same
time a message appears on the Control Display.
Avoid frequent starting in quick succes-
sion as well as repeated start attempts in
which the engine does not start. Otherwise, the
fuel is not burned or incompletely burned and
there is a danger of overheating and damaging
the catalytic converter.<
Switching off the engine
Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the
vehicle remains stationary. Start driving right
away, but at moderate engine speeds.
Always take the remote control with you
when you leave the vehicle.
When parking, apply the parking brake force-
fully; otherwise, the vehicle could begin to roll.<
Manual transmission
1. With the car at a standstill, press the start/
stop button.
2. Shift into first gear or reverse.
3. Forcefully apply the parking brake.
4. Removing the remote control from the igni-
tion lock, refer to page 54.
Manual transmission
Remote control in the ignition lock or, with
Comfort Access, inside the vehicle, refer to
page 34.
Automatic transmission
1. With the car at a standstill, move the selec-
tor lever to position P.
1. Depress the brake.
2. Press the start/stop button.
2. Depress the clutch and shift to neutral posi-
tion.
3. Forcefully apply the parking brake.
3. Press the start/stop button.
55
4. Removing the remote control from the igni-
tion lock, refer to page 54.
The brake lamps do not light up when the park-
ing brake is applied.<
Parking brake
Manual transmission
The parking brake is primarily intended to pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling while parked; it
brakes the rear wheels.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp is lit, and when you
drive off an acoustic signal sounds in
addition. The parking brake is still
applied.
Indicator lamp for Canadian models.
When shifting into 5th or 6th gear, press
the gearshift lever to the right. Otherwise,
the engine could be damaged if you inadvert-
ently shift into 3rd or 4th gear.<
Applying
The lever locks in position automatically.
Reverse gear
Select this only when the vehicle is stationary.
When the gearshift lever is pressed to the left, a
slight resistance has to be overcome.
Releasing
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic*
In addition to fully automatic operation, you can
also manually shift with the Steptronic, refer to
page 57.
Pull slightly upwards, press the button and
lower the lever.
Vehicle parking
In exceptional cases, if the parking brake
has to be used to slow or stop the car, do
not pull the lever up too hard. In doing so, con-
tinuously press the button of the parking brake
lever.
To prevent the vehicle from rolling,
always select position P and apply the
parking brake before leaving the vehicle with
the engine running.<
Otherwise, excessive force on the parking
brake can lock up the rear wheels and cause the
rear of the car to swerve.<
Disengaging the remote control
In order to remove the remote control from the
ignition lock, you must first move the selector
lever to position P and switch off the engine:
interlock. Removing the remote control from
the ignition lock, refer to page 54.
To prevent corrosion and one-sided brak-
ing action, occasionally apply the parking
brake lightly when the vehicle is slowly coming
to a stop if the traffic conditions are suitable.
56
Selector lever positions
P Park
P R N D M/S + –
Select this only when the vehicle is stationary.
The rear wheels are locked.
Displays in the instrument cluster
R Reverse
Select this only when the vehicle is stationary.
N Neutral
You can select this in a car wash, for example.
The vehicle can roll.
D Drive, automatic position
Position for normal vehicle operation. All for-
ward gears are selected automatically.
P R N D DS M1 to M6
Under normal operating conditions, fuel con-
sumption is lowest when you are driving in posi-
tion D.
The selector lever position is displayed, or the
current gear in the manual mode.
Changing selector lever positions
Kickdown
>
With the ignition switched on or the engine
running, the selector lever can be moved
out of position P.
Kickdown enables you to achieve maximum
performance.
Press the accelerator pedal beyond the full-
throttle resistance point.
>
Before moving the lever away from P or N
with the vehicle stationary, first depress the
brake; otherwise, the selector lever will
refuse to move: shiftlock.
Sport program and manual operation
M/S
To prevent the vehicle from creeping
after you select a driving position,
depress the brake until you are ready to
start.<
Move selector lever from position D toward the
left into the M/S shifting slot:
The sport program is activated and DS is dis-
played on the instrument cluster. This position
is recommended for a performance-oriented
driving style.
A lock prevents you from inadvertently engag-
ing selector lever positions R and P. To cancel
the lock, press the button on the front of the
selector lever, see arrow.
To deactivate the sport program or manual
mode M/S, move the selector lever to the right
into position D.
57
of engine and vehicle speed; thus, for example,
a downshift that would cause the engine to
overrev will not be executed by the system. The
gear selected is briefly displayed in the instru-
ment cluster, followed by the gear actually in
use.
Shifting gears via the selector lever
Move selector lever from position D toward the
left into the M/S shifting slot:
When you press the selector lever forwards or
backwards, the manual mode is activated and
Steptronic changes gear. M1 through M6 are
displayed on the instrument cluster.
Overriding selector lever lock
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only
when they will result in a plausible combination
of engine and vehicle speed; thus, for example,
a downshift that would cause the engine to
overrev will not be executed by the system. The
gear selected is briefly displayed in the instru-
ment cluster, followed by the gear actually in
use.
Should the selector lever refuse to move out of
position P even though the ignition is switched
on, the brake is depressed and the button on
the selector lever is pressed, the selector lever
lock can be overridden:
1. Unclip the sleeve of the selector lever.
2. Pull the sleeve up over the selector lever
until the sleeve is inside out.
Shifting gears via shift paddles* on the
steering wheel
The shift paddles allow you to shift gears
quickly since both hands can remain on the
steering wheel.
>
>
When you use the shift paddles on the
steering wheel to shift gears in automatic
mode, the transmission switches to manual
mode.
If you do not accelerate or shift gears using
the shift paddles for a certain amount of
time, the transmission switches back to
automatic mode.
3. Using the screwdriver from the onboard
vehicle tool kit, refer to page 229, press the
red lever while moving the selector lever to
the desired position.
If the selector lever is in the M/S gear
plane, manual mode remains active.<
Turn signals/
headlamp flasher
>
>
To shift up: pull one of the shift paddles.
To shift down: press one of the shift pad-
dles.
1
2
3
High beams
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only
when they will result in a plausible combination
Headlamp flasher
Turn signals
58
Using turn signals
Wiper system
Press the lever beyond the resistance point.
To turn off manually, press the lever to the
resistance point.
Unusually rapid flashing of the indicator
lamp indicates that a turn signal indicator
has failed.<
Indicating a turn briefly
Press the lever as far as the resistance point for
as long as you wish to indicate a turn.
1
2
3
Switching on wipers
Switching off wipers or brief wipe
Triple turn signal activation
Activating/deactivating intermittent wipe or
rain sensor*
Press the lever as far as the resistance point.
The turn signals flash three times.
4
5
Cleaning windshield and headlamps*
You can activate or deactivate this function.
1. "Settings"
Setting speed for intermittent wipe, or sen-
sitivity of the rain sensor
2. "Lighting"
3. "Triple turn signal"
Switching on wipers
Press the lever upward, arrow 1.
The lever automatically returns to its initial posi-
tion when released.
Normal wiper speed
Press once.
The system switches to operation in the inter-
mittent mode when the vehicle is stationary.
Triple turn signal activation is activated and
is stored for the remote control currently in use.
Fast wiper speed
Press twice or press beyond the resistance
point.
The system switches to normal speed when the
vehicle is stationary.
Intermittent wipe or rain sensor*
If the car is not equipped with a rain sensor, the
intermittent-wipe time is a preset.
If the car is equipped with a rain sensor, the time
between wipes is controlled automatically and
depends on the intensity of the rainfall. The rain
sensor is mounted on the windshield, directly in
front of the interior rearview mirror.
59
Activating intermittent wipe or rain
sensor
Windshield washer nozzles
The windshield washer nozzles are heated
automatically* while the engine is running or
the ignition is switched on.
Sports Wagon: rear window wiper
Press the button, arrow 3. The LED in the but-
ton lights up.
Setting speed for intermittent wipe or
sensitivity of the rain sensor
1
2
Intermittent operation. When reverse gear
is engaged, the system switches to contin-
uous operation.
Turn thumbwheel 5 up or down.
Deactivating intermittent wipe or rain
sensor
Cleaning the rear window
The rear window wiper does not move if the
lever is in position 1 before the ignition is
switched on.
Press the button again, arrow 3.
The LED goes out.
Deactivate the rain sensor before enter-
ing an automatic car wash. Failure to do
so could result in damage caused by undesired
wiper activation.<
To switch on the rear window wiper:
1. Move the lever to its home position.
2. Reselect the desired position.
Do not use the washers when the washer
fluid reservoir is empty; otherwise, you
will damage the washer pump.<
Cleaning windshield and headlamps*
Pull the lever, arrow 4.
Washer fluid is sprayed onto the windshield and
the wipers are operated for a short time.
Washer fluid
When the vehicle lighting system is switched
on, the headlamps are cleaned at regular and
appropriate intervals.
Washer fluid antifreeze is flammable.
Therefore, keep it away from ignition
sources and only store it in the closed original
container that is kept out of reach of children;
otherwise, there is a risk of personal injury.
Comply with the instructions on the con-
tainer.<
Do not use the washers if there is any
danger that the fluid will freeze on the
windshield. If you do, your vision could be
obscured. Antifreeze should therefore be
added to the fluid, refer to Washer fluid.
Do not use the washers when the washer fluid
reservoir is empty; otherwise, you will damage
the washer pump.<
Washer fluid filler neck
Only refill washer fluid when the engine is
cool to avoid contact with hot engine
parts. Otherwise, fluid spills constitute a fire
hazard and a risk to personal safety.<
60
One lever for all functions
All washer nozzles are supplied with washer
fluid by the same reservoir.
1
2
Storing and maintaining speed or accelerat-
ing
Fill with water and, if required, with a washer
antifreeze, according to manufacturer's recom-
mendations.
Storing and maintaining speed or deceler-
ating
Mix the water and antifreeze before filling
the washer fluid reservoir to make sure
the correct concentration is maintained.<
3
4
Deactivating cruise control
Resuming a speed stored beforehand
Maintaining current speed
Capacity
Tap 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.
Approx. 6.3 US quarts/6 liters.
Cruise control*
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 sys-
tem will brake the vehicle slightly.
The concept
Cruise control is available for use at speeds of
approx. 20 mph or 30 km/h. 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 gradients.
Increasing desired speed
Repeatedly press the lever to the resistance
point or beyond, arrow 1, until the desired
speed is reached.
Do not use cruise control when driving at
constant speed is prevented by adverse
conditions, e.g. winding roads, dense traffic or
poor road conditions due to, e.g., snow, rain, ice
or loose surfaces. Otherwise, you could lose
control of the vehicle and cause an accident as a
result.<
>
Each time the lever is pressed to the resis-
tance point, the desired speed is increased
by approx. 1 mph or 1 km/h.
>
Each time the lever is pressed beyond the
resistance point, the desired speed is
increased by up to 5 mph or 10 km/h.
The system stores and maintains the speed.
Manual transmission
Accelerating using the lever
You can shift gears while cruise control is acti-
vated. The system is deactivated when you
drive at very low engine speeds for an extended
period.
Accelerating slightly:
Press the lever to the resistance point, arrow 1,
until the desired speed is reached.
Accelerating significantly:
61
Press the lever beyond the resistance point,
arrow 1, until the desired speed is reached.
Resuming a speed stored beforehand
Press the button, arrow 4. The last stored
The vehicle accelerates without pressure on
the accelerator pedal. The system stores and
maintains the speed.
speed is resumed and maintained.
In the following instances, the stored speed is
deleted and can no longer be resumed:
>
>
>
>
When driving stability control systems are
intervening
Decreasing speed
Repeatedly pull the lever to the resistance point
or beyond, arrow 2, until the desired speed is
displayed.
In cars with manual transmission: when you
shift gears very slowly or shift to neutral
In cars with automatic transmission: when
you engage selector lever position N
>
Each time the lever is pulled to the resis-
tance point, the desired speed is decreased
by approx. 1 mph or 1 km/h.
When the ignition is switched off
>
Each time the lever is pulled beyond the
resistance point, the desired speed is
reduced by up to 5 mph or 10 km/h until the
minimum speed of 20 mph or 30 km/h is
achieved.
Displays in the instrument cluster
The system stores and maintains the speed.
Deactivating cruise control
Tap the lever upwards or downwards, arrow 3.
The displays on the speedometer disappear.
In addition, the system is automatically deacti-
vated:
1
2
Stored speed
Selected speed is displayed briefly
>
>
When you brake the vehicle
If --- mph or --- km/h temporarily appears
in the instrument cluster display, it is pos-
When you switch gears very slowly or shift
to neutral in cars with manual transmission
sible that the system prerequisites for operation
are currently not met.
Calling up Check Control messages, refer to
page 78.<
>
When you select the automatic transmis-
sion's neutral position N
>
>
When you activate DTC or deactivate DSC
When DSC or ABS is intervening
Malfunction
Cruise control is not deactivated by depressing
the accelerator pedal. Once the accelerator
pedal is released, the stored speed is achieved
again and maintained.
The warning lamp comes on when
the system has failed. A message
appears on the Control Display. More
information can be found beginning on
page 77.
Warning lamp
The warning lamp lights up when
cruise control is deactivated due to
control intervention by the DSC, for
example. A message appears on the Control
Display.
Active cruise control*
The concept
With active cruise control, you can select a
desired speed which is not only automatically
62
maintained when driving on open roadways, but
also varied to maintain a selected distance set-
ting as slower traffic is encountered.
Manual transmission
You can shift gears while cruise control is acti-
vated. The system is deactivated when you
drive at very low engine speeds for an extended
period.
Active cruise control is a technological advance
over the familiar cruise control and is a welcome
relief from the constant adjustment of speed
that can accompany driving in traffic on high-
ways or other high-speed thoroughfares. Espe-
cially on longer trips, the system can reduce
fatigue and tension, while increasing your
enjoyment of driving. Please use it safely and
responsibly.
Range of applications
The minimum desired speed is 20 mph or
30 km/h, the maximum desired speed is
110 mph or 180 km/h.
As with conventional cruise control sys-
tems, active cruise control in no way
Within the limits of its capability, the system
automatically adapts the car's speed to that of a
slower vehicle in front of you. You can specify
the distance to be maintained from the vehicle
in front in four stages. For safety reasons, the
distance is speed-dependent. Based on your
selected distance setting, the system automat-
ically decreases the throttle setting and lightly
applies the brakes if necessary. The vehicle
brake lamps will automatically illuminate to sig-
nal a following driver to take action. In addition,
it may be necessary for the vehicle or the driver
to downshift, depending on the kind of trans-
mission your vehicle is equipped with, to main-
tain the distance setting selected. If the vehicle
ahead speeds up or when the lane ahead
diminishes or substitutes for the driver’s own
personal responsibility, alertness and aware-
ness in adjusting speed, braking or otherwise
controlling the vehicle. The driver should
decide when to use the system on the basis of
road, traffic, visibility, and weather conditions.
Active cruise control is intended for use on
highway-type roadways where traffic is moving
relatively smoothly. Do not use this system in
city driving; heavy traffic such as during rush
hour; on curvy, winding roads, slippery roads or
roads with sharp curves such as highway off-
ramps; during inclement weather such as snow,
strong rain or fog; or when entering inter-
changes, service/parking areas or toll booths.
It is also important to regulate your vehicle's
speed and distance setting within applicable
legal limits. Always be ready to take action or
apply the brakes if necessary, especially when
the system is actively following a vehicle in front
of you. Otherwise, driving situations could
result that pose the risk of accidents.<
becomes clear, your vehicle will accelerate to
the speed you have selected by increasing the
throttle setting and shifting gears automatically
or by the driver as needed. Your selected speed
will be held when driving downhill, too.
Since this active cruise control system is a new
technology and operates differently from con-
ventional cruise control systems which you may
be accustomed to, you are strongly urged to
read all of the pages relating to this system
before use. Pay special attention to the System
limitations section beginning on page 66.
One lever for all functions
Braking sensation
>
If you step on the brake pedal while the sys-
tem is braking, pedal sensation will be
slightly different from the usual.
>
Possible noises during automatic braking
are normal.
1
2
Store and increase desired speed
Store and decrease desired speed
63
3
4
Deactivate system, refer to page 65
Selecting distance
Resume stored desired speed and dis-
tance, refer to page 65
5
Select distance to vehicle driving ahead,
refer to page 64
Storing current speed
Briefly press the lever, arrow 1, or briefly pull it,
arrow 2, at a driving speed of more than approx.
20 mph or 30 km/h.
>
>
Press downward:
Increase distance.
Press upward:
Decrease distance.
The selected distance is displayed in the instru-
ment cluster.
Distance 1
Distance 2
Distance 3
The car's current speed is stored. It is displayed
on the speedometer and briefly in the instru-
ment cluster.
Increasing desired speed
Press or tap the lever to the resistance point or
beyond, arrow 1, until the desired speed is dis-
played.
>
Each time the lever is tapped to the resis-
tance point, the desired speed is increased
by approx. 1 mph or 1 km/h.
Distance 4
>
Each time the lever is tapped beyond the
resistance point, the desired speed is
increased by up to 5 mph or 10 km/h until
the maximum speed of 110 mph or
180 km/h is achieved.
This is always the preset dis-
tance when you use the system
for the first time after starting the
engine.
Use good judgment to select the appro-
priate following distance given road con-
ditions, traffic, applicable laws and driving rec-
ommendations for safe following distance.
Otherwise, an accident risk could result.<
The speed then displayed is stored and
achieved on a clear road.
Decreasing desired speed
Pull the lever, arrow 2, until the desired speed is
displayed.
The other functions work analogously to those
described under Increasing desired speed.
64
Deactivating cruise control
Resuming stored desired speed and
distance
Briefly press the button, arrow 4.
The stored speed and distance are regained
and maintained.
In the following instances, the stored speed is
deleted and can no longer be resumed:
>
>
>
>
When driving stability control systems are
intervening
In cars with manual transmission: when you
shift gears very slowly or shift to neutral
Press the lever upward or downward, arrow 3.
The displays on the speedometer disappear.
In cars with automatic transmission: when
you engage selector lever position N
In addition, the system is automatically deacti-
vated:
When the ignition is switched off
>
>
When you brake the vehicle
When the speed is reduced to below
Displays in the instrument cluster
20 mph or 30 km/h due to a traffic situation
>
>
>
>
When you switch gears very slowly or shift
to neutral in cars with manual transmission
When you select the automatic transmis-
sion's neutral position N
When you activate the Dynamic Traction
Control DTC
When you deactivate the Dynamic Stability
Control DSC
1
2
Stored desired speed
>
>
When DSC or ABS is intervening
Shows yellow: vehicle detected ahead
When the system does not recognize any
objects for a longer period of time, e.g. on
infrequently traveled roads without a shoul-
der or guard rails, or if the radar sensor is
covered with dirt, refer to page 66
Flashes in red: system cannot maintain dis-
tance; driver must brake the vehicle
Flashes in yellow: driving stability control
systems are intervening; cruise control is
deactivated
>
When you apply the parking brake
3
4
Selected distance to vehicle ahead
The indicator lights up as soon as the sys-
tem is activated.
When the system is deactivated, you
must brake the vehicle yourself and/or
maneuver as necessary; otherwise, there is a
risk of accidents.<
Selected desired speed is temporarily dis-
played
Warning lamp
If --- mph or --- km/h temporarily appears
in the instrument cluster display, it is pos-
sible that the system prerequisites for operation
The warning lamp comes on when
active cruise control has been auto-
matically deactivated, for example
due to a driving speed below 20 mph or
30 km/h or a DSC intervention. A message
appears on the Control Display.
65
are currently not met. Calling up Check Control
messages, refer to page 78.<
snow or ice. If necessary, clean the radar sensor
located in the front bumper, see arrow. Be sure
to use particular care when removing any layers
of snow or ice from the sensor.
Warning lamps
The indicator 2 flashes in red; a
signal sounds.
The system cannot be activated if the sensor is
incorrectly aligned.
The system indicates that you
must brake and/or maneuver the
vehicle yourself. Active cruise con-
trol cannot automatically restore the distance to
the vehicle ahead.
This indicator does not release you from your
responsibility to adapt your desired speed and
driving style to prevailing driving conditions.
For US owners only
The transmitter and receiver units comply with
part 15 of the FCC/Federal Communications
Commission regulations. Operation is gov-
erned by the following:
FCC ID:
NF3 ACC2SCU 003YK04001 0000
The indicator 2 flashes in yellow.
The prerequisites for operating
active cruise control are not met,
e.g. as a result of ABS or DSC
interventions. Active cruise control
Compliance statement:
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
>
This device must not cause harmful inter-
ference, and
is deactivated. You can reactivate the system, if
desired, by tapping or pulling the lever when
road and traffic conditions permit. It is not pos-
sible to resume a stored speed.
>
this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Radar sensor
Any unauthorized modifications or
changes to these devices could void the
user’s authority to operate this equipment.<
Malfunction
The warning lamp comes on when
the system has failed. A message
appears on the Control Display. More
information can be found beginning on
page 77.
The sensor's ability to detect vehicles ahead
may be restricted as a result of heavy rain, dirt,
System limitations
66
Always remember that the range and abil-
ity of the system does have physical limi-
tations. It will not apply the brakes or decelerate
your vehicle when there is a slow-moving vehi-
cle, stopped vehicle or stationary object ahead
of you, as for example, at a traffic light or a
parked vehicle. Also, the system does not react
to oncoming traffic, pedestrians or other types
of potential traffic such as a rider on horseback.
It is also possible that the system may not
detect smaller moving objects such as motor-
cycles or bicycles. Be especially alert when
encountering any of these situations as the sys-
tem will neither automatically brake, nor provide
a warning to you. Also, be aware that every
decrease in the distance setting allows your
vehicle to come closer to a vehicle in front of
you and requires a heightened amount of alert-
ness.<
braking system. Therefore, the system cannot
decrease your speed for large differences in
speed between your vehicle and the vehicle
ahead. Examples: when you approach a vehicle
traveling at a much lower speed than your own
speed such as approaching a toll booth or when
a much slower vehicle cuts in front of you at
close range.<
Active cruise control can only decelerate the
vehicle to approx. 20 mph or 30 km/h.
Swerving vehicles
Active cruise control is not and must not
be used as a collision avoidance/warning
system.<
When a vehicle moves from an adjacent lane
into your lane, active cruise control will not rec-
ognize this vehicle until it is fully in your lane
ahead of your vehicle.
If while your vehicle is actively following a vehi-
cle in front of you and the vehicle ahead speeds
up or the lane ahead becomes clear, then your
vehicle will accelerate to the speed you have
selected. Be aware that changing to a clear,
unobstructed lane will also result in your vehicle
accelerating.
When a vehicle ahead suddenly swerves
into your lane, the system may not be able
to maintain the selected distance automatically.
This also applies to great differences in speed
between you and vehicles ahead, e.g. when
quickly approaching a truck. There is a risk of
collision. Once the system has established that
a vehicle is indeed in front of you, it will indicate
that you must brake and/or maneuver the vehi-
cle yourself. Take action yourself; otherwise,
there is a risk of an accident.<
Be certain to deactivate the system when
you pull into an exit lane for a highway off-
ramp.<
Also, vehicles traveling in a staggered manner
on a highway may cause a delay in the system's
reaction to a vehicle in front of you or may cause
the system to react to a vehicle actually in the
lane next to you. Always be ready to take action
or apply the brakes if necessary.
While active cruise control is capable of
braking your vehicle automatically when
you approach a slower vehicle ahead, it is
important to be aware that the ability of the sys-
tem to apply the brakes is also limited, e.g.
when you reduce your desired speed sharply.
The system cannot stop your vehicle. It uses
only a portion of braking system capacity and
does not utilize the full capacity of the vehicle
67
Behavior in curves
Because of the limited range of the system, it is
possible that in curves or on the peaks and val-
leys of hilly roads, a vehicle ahead may be rec-
ognized late, or not at all. Therefore, it is up to
the driver to select a speed that is prudent in
view of the curves and terrain of the roadway.
In approaching a curve, it is possible that active
cruise control would react briefly to a vehicle in
the adjacent lane. In addition, the system can
sense if your vehicle is in a curve and may not
accelerate. If your vehicle decelerates in either
case, you can choose to overcome the deceler-
ation by briefly pressing the accelerator pedal.
Your responsibility
Your actions have priority at all times. When you
press the accelerator pedal while driving with
active cruise control, the automatic braking
function will be temporarily interrupted. Once
you release the accelerator pedal, the desired
speed or the selected distance to the vehicle
ahead is achieved again.
Do not leave your foot on the accelerator
pedal and make sure that no objects such
as floor mats are lying on the accelerator pedal.
Otherwise, the system may not be able to brake
the vehicle.<
68
