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EnglishCONTROLS -> Safety for your BMW 4 Series 2013-2020
Safety
CONTROLS
Safety
It also describes features 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 systems. When us‐
ing these functions and systems, the applicable
laws and regulations must be observed.
Vehicle features and
options
This chapter describes all standard, country-spe‐
cific and optional features offered with the series.
Airbags
1
2
3
Front airbag, driver
Front airbag, front passenger
Head airbag
4
5
Side airbag
Knee airbag
Front airbags
Side airbag
Front airbags help protect the driver and the
front passenger by responding to frontal impacts
in which safety belts alone would not provide ad‐
equate protection.
In a lateral impact, the side airbag supports the
side of the body in the chest and lap area.
Head airbag
In a lateral impact, the head airbag supports the
head.
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▷ Dashboard and windshield on the front pas‐
senger side must stay clear - do not attach
adhesive labels or coverings and do not at‐
tach brackets or cables, for instance for GPS
devices or mobile phones.
Ejection Mitigation
The head airbag system is designed as an ejec‐
tion mitigation countermeasure to reduce the
likelihood of ejections of vehicle occupants
through side windows during rollovers or side im‐
pact events.
▷ Do not apply adhesive materials to the airbag
cover panels, do not cover them or modify
them in any way.
Knee airbag
The knee airbag supports the legs in a frontal im‐
pact.
▷ Do not use the cover of the front airbag on
the front passenger side as a storage area.
▷ Do not place slip covers, seat cushions or
other objects on the front passenger seat
that are not specifically suited for seats with
integrated side airbags.
Protective action
Airbags are not triggered in every impact situa‐
tion, for instance in less severe accidents or rear-
end collisions.
▷ Do not hang pieces of clothing, such as jack‐
ets, over the backrests.
Information on optimum effect of the
airbags
▷ Never modify either the individual compo‐
nents or the wiring in the airbag system. This
also applies to steering wheel covers, the
dashboard, and the seats.
WARNING
▷ Do not remove the airbag system.
If the seat position is incorrect or the deploy‐
ment area of the airbags is impaired, the airbag
system cannot provide protection as intended
and may cause additional injuries due to trig‐
gering. There is a risk of injuries or danger to
life. Follow the information on achieving the op‐
timum protective effect of the airbag system.
Even when you follow all instructions very
closely, injury from contact with the airbags can‐
not be fully ruled out in certain situations.
The ignition and inflation noise may lead to
short-term and, in most cases, temporary hear‐
ing impairment in sensitive occupants.
Vehicle modifications for a person with disabili‐
ties may affect the air bag system; contact BMW
Customer Relations for further information.
▷ Keep a distance from the airbags.
▷ Always grasp the steering wheel on the
steering wheel rim. Hold your hands at the
3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions, to keep the
risk of injury to your hands or arms as low as
possible when the airbag is triggered.
Warnings and information on the airbags are also
found on the sun visors.
Functional readiness of the
airbag system
▷ Make sure that occupants keep their heads
away from the side airbag.
▷ Make sure that the front passenger is sitting
correctly, i.e., keeps his or her feet and legs in
the floor area and does not support them on
the dashboard.
Safety information
WARNING
Individual components can be hot after trigger‐
ing of the airbag system. There is a risk of in‐
jury. Do not touch individual components.
▷ There should be no additional persons, ani‐
mals or objects between an airbag and a per‐
son.
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Safety information
WARNING
Improperly executed work can lead to failure,
malfunction or unintentional triggering of the
airbag system. In the case of a malfunction, the
airbag system might not trigger as intended de‐
spite the accident severity. There is a risk of in‐
juries or danger to life. Have the airbag system
checked, repaired, dismantled and scrapped by
a dealer’s service center or another qualified
service center or repair shop.
WARNING
To ensure the front-seat passenger airbag
function, the system must be able to detect
whether a person is sitting in the front passen‐
ger seat. The entire seat cushion area must be
used for this purpose. There is a risk of injuries
or danger to life. Make sure that the front pas‐
senger keeps his or her feet in the floor area.
Malfunction of the automatic
deactivation system
When transporting older children and adults, the
front-seat passenger airbags may be deactivated
in certain sitting positions. In this case, the indi‐
cator light for the front-seat passenger airbags
lights up.
Correct function
When the ignition is switched on, the
warning light in the instrument cluster
lights up briefly and thereby indicates the
operational readiness of the entire airbag system
and the belt tensioner.
In this case, change the sitting position so that
the front-seat passenger airbags are activated
and the indicator light goes out.
Airbag system malfunctioning
▷ Warning light does not come on when the ig‐
nition is switched on.
If it is not possible to activate the airbags, have
the person sit in the rear.
▷ The warning light lights up continuously.
To enable correct recognition of the occupied
seat cushion.
Automatic deactivation of the
front-seat passenger airbags
▷ Do not attach covers, cushions, ball mats or
other items to the front passenger seat un‐
less they are specifically determined to be
safe for use on the front passenger seat.
Concept
The system reads if the front passenger seat is
occupied by measuring the human body's resist‐
ance.
▷ Do not place any electronic devices on the
front passenger seat if a child restraint sys‐
tem is to be installed on it.
Front, knee, and side airbag on the front pas‐
senger's side are activated or deactivated.
▷ Do not place objects under the seat that
could press against the seat from below.
General information
▷ No moisture in or on the seat.
Before transporting a child on the front passen‐
ger seat, refer to the safety information and in‐
structions for children on the front passenger
seat, see Children.
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Indicator light for the front-seat
passenger airbags
Strength of the driver's and
front-seat passenger airbag
The explosive power that activates driver's/front-
seat passenger airbags very much depends on
the positions of the driver's/front passenger seat.
To maintain the accuracy of this function over
the long term, calibrate the front seats as soon as
a respective message appears on the Control
Display.
Calibrating the front seats
The indicator light for the front-seat passenger
airbags indicates the operating state of the front-
seat passenger airbags.
WARNING
There is a risk of jamming when moving the
seats. There is a risk of injury or risk of damage
to property. Make sure that the area of move‐
ment of the seat is clear prior to any adjust‐
ment.
The light indicates whether the airbags are either
activated or deactivated.
▷ The indicator light lights up
when a child is properly
seated in a child restraint sys‐
tem or when the seat is
empty. The airbags on the
front passenger side are not
activated.
A corresponding message appears on the Con‐
trol Display.
1. Press the switch and move the respective
seat all the way forward, until it stops.
▷ The indicator light does not light up when, for
instance a correctly seated person of suffi‐
cient size is detected on the seat. The air‐
bags on the front passenger side are acti‐
vated.
2. Press the switch forward again. The seat still
moves forward slightly.
3. Readjust the seat to the desired position.
The calibration procedure is completed when the
message on the Control Display disappears.
Detected child restraint systems
If the message continues to be displayed, repeat
the calibration.
The system generally detects children seated in
a child restraint system, particularly in child re‐
straint systems required by NHTSA at the point
in time when the vehicle was manufactured. Af‐
ter installing a child restraint system, make sure
that the indicator light for the front-seat passen‐
ger airbags lights up. This indicates that the child
restraint system has been detected and the
front-seat passenger airbags are not activated.
If the message does not disappear after a repeat
calibration, have the system checked as soon as
possible.
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM
Concept
The system monitors tire inflation pressure in the
four mounted tires. The system warns you if
there is a significant loss of pressure in one or
more tires.
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All wheels green
General information
System is active and will issue a warning related
to the tire inflation pressures stored during the
last reset.
Sensors in the tire valves measure the tire infla‐
tion pressure and, depending on the model, the
tire temperature.
With use of the system follow further information
found under Tire inflation pressure, refer to
page 246.
One to four yellow wheels
A flat tire or major drop in the tire inflation pres‐
sure has occurred in the indicated tires.
Functional requirements
The following conditions must be met for the
system; otherwise, reliable flagging of a loss of
tire inflation pressure is not assured:
Gray wheels
It may not be possible to identify tire pressure
losses.
Possible causes:
▷ After a tire or wheel replacement, a reset was
performed with the correct tire inflation pres‐
sure.
▷ Malfunction.
▷ The system is being reset.
▷ After the tire inflation pressure was adjusted
to a new value, a reset was performed.
Additonal information
▷ Wheels with TPM wheel electronics.
The status control display additionally shows the
current tire inflation pressures and, depending on
the model, tire temperatures. It shows the actual
values read; they may vary depending on driving
style or weather conditions.
Status display
Current status
The system status can be displayed on the Con‐
trol Display, e.g., whether or not the system is ac‐
tive.
Resetting the system
Via iDrive:
Via iDrive:
1. "My Vehicle"
1. "My Vehicle"
2. "Vehicle status"
2. "Vehicle status"
3.
"Tire Pressure Monitor"
3.
"Tire Pressure Monitor"
4. Start the engine but do not drive off.
5. Reset tire inflation pressure: "Perform reset".
6. Drive away.
The current status is displayed.
Tire conditions
The wheels are displayed in gray and the follow‐
ing is displayed "Resetting Tire Pressure
Monitor…".
General information
Tire and system status are indicated by the color
of the wheels and a SMS text message on the
Control Display.
After driving faster than 19 mph/30 km/h for a
short period, the set tire inflation pressures are
accepted as reference values. The reset is com‐
pleted automatically while driving.
After a successfully completed reset, the wheels
on the Control Display are shown in green and
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"Tire Pressure Monitor active. See label for
recommended pressures." is displayed.
Measure
1. Check the tire pressure and correct as
needed.
You may interrupt this trip at any time. When you
continue the reset resumes automatically.
2. Reset the system.
Messages
If the tire inflation pressure is too
low
General information
Message
A low tire inflation pressure may cause the DSC
Dynamic Stability Control to be switched on.
A yellow warning light is illuminated in
the instrument cluster.
Safety information
In addition, a symbol with a Check Control mes‐
sage appears on the Control Display.
WARNING
Symbol Possible cause
A damaged regular tire with low or missing tire
inflation pressure impacts handling, such as
steering and braking response. Run-flat tires
can maintain limited stability. There is a risk of
an accident. Do not continue driving if the vehi‐
cle is equipped with normal tires. Follow the in‐
formation on run-flat tires and continued driving
with these tires.
There is a tire inflation pressure loss.
No reset was performed for the sys‐
tem. The system issues a warning
based on the tire inflation pressures
stored during the last reset.
Measure
1. Reduce your speed and drive moderately. Do
not exceed a speed of 80 mph/130 km/h.
If a tire inflation pressure check is
required
2. At the next opportunity, for instance gas sta‐
tion, check and correct the tire inflation pres‐
sure in all four tires, if necessary.
Message
A symbol with a Check Control message ap‐
pears on the Control Display.
3. Reset the system.
Symbol Possible cause
If there is a significant loss of tire
inflation pressure
The system has detected a wheel
change, but no reset was done.
Message
No reset was performed for the sys‐
tem. The system issues a warning
based on the tire inflation pressures
stored during the last reset.
A yellow warning light is illuminated in
the instrument cluster.
In addition, a symbol with the affected tire ap‐
pears in a Check Control message on the Con‐
trol Display.
Inflation was not carried out accord‐
ing to specifications.
The tire inflation pressure has fallen
below the level of the last reset.
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Run-flat tires
Symbol Possible cause
There is a flat tire or a major loss in
Safety information
tire inflation pressure.
No reset was performed for the sys‐
tem. The system issues a warning
based on the tire inflation pressures
stored during the last reset.
WARNING
Your vehicle handles differently with a run-flat
with no or low inflation pressure; for instance,
your lane stability when braking is reduced,
braking distances are longer and the self-steer‐
ing properties will change. There is a risk of an
accident.
Measure
1. Reduce your speed and stop cautiously.
Avoid sudden braking and steering maneu‐
vers.
Drive moderately and do not exceed a speed of
50 mph/80 km/h.
2. Check whether the vehicle is fitted with nor‐
mal tires or run-flat tires.
Maximum speed
Run-flat tires, refer to page 255, are labeled
with a circular symbol containing the letters
RSC marked on the tire's sidewall.
You may continue driving with a damaged tire at
speeds up to 50 mph/80 km/h.
Continued driving with a flat tire
Actions in the event of a flat tire
If continuing to drive with a damaged tire:
Normal tires
1. Identify the damaged tire.
1. Avoid sudden braking and steering maneu‐
vers.
To do this, check the air pressure in all four
tires, for instance using the tire pressure gage
of a flat tire kit.
2. Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
3. Check the air pressure in all four tires at the
next opportunity.
If the tire inflation pressure in all four tires is
correct, the Tire Pressure Monitor may not
have been reset. In this case, perform the re‐
set.
If the tire inflation pressure in all four tires is
correct, the Tire Pressure Monitor may not
have been reset. In this case, perform the re‐
set.
If identification of flat tire damage is not pos‐
sible, please contact a dealer’s service center
or another qualified service center or repair
shop.
Possible driving range with a
depressurized tire
The distance for which it may be possible to
drive safely varies depending on how the vehicle
is loaded and used, e.g., speed, road conditions,
external temperature. The driving range may be
less but may also be more if an economical driv‐
ing style is used.
2. Repair the flat tire, e.g., with a flat tire kit or by
changing the wheel.
Use of sealant, for instance from the flat tire kit,
may damage the TPM wheel electronics. In this
case, have the electronics checked and replaced
at the next opportunity.
If the vehicle is loaded with an average weight
and used under favorable conditions, the dis‐
tance for which it may be safe to drive may be up
to 50 miles/80 km.
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Vehicle handling with damaged tires
Malfunction
Vehicles driven with a damaged tire will handle
differently, potentially leading to conditions such
as the following:
The yellow warning light flashes and is
then illuminated continuously. A Check
Control message is displayed. It may not
be possible to identify tire pressure losses.
▷ Greater likelihood of swerving off course.
▷ Longer braking distances.
Examples and recommendations in the following
situations:
▷ Changed self-steering properties.
Modify your driving style. Avoid abrupt steering
maneuvers or driving over obstacles, for instance
curbs or potholes.
▷ A wheel without TPM wheel electronics is
mounted: have it checked by a dealer’s serv‐
ice center or another qualified service center
or repair shop as needed.
Final tire failure
▷ Malfunction: have system checked by a deal‐
er’s service center or another qualified serv‐
ice center or repair shop.
Vibrations or loud noises while driving can indi‐
cate the final failure of a tire.
Reduce speed and stop; otherwise, pieces of the
tire could come loose and cause an accident.
▷ The system was unable to complete the re‐
set. Perform a system reset again.
Do not continue driving. Contact a dealer’s serv‐
ice center or another qualified service center or
repair shop.
▷ Interference caused by systems or devices
with the same radio frequency: after leaving
the area of the interference, the system auto‐
matically becomes active again.
System limits
Temperature
The tire inflation pressure depends on the tire's
temperature.
Declaration according to NHTSA/
FMVSS 138 Tire Pressure
Monitoring System
Each tire, including the spare (if provided) should
be checked monthly when cold and inflated to
the inflation pressure recommended by the vehi‐
cle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire in‐
flation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of
a different size than the size indicated on the ve‐
hicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire inflation pres‐
sure for those tires.) As an added safety feature,
your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pres‐
sure monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates
a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of
your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accord‐
ingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illumi‐
nates, you should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper
pressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated
tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel effi‐
Driving or exposure to the sun will increase the
tire's temperature, thus increasing the tire infla‐
tion pressure.
The tire inflation pressure is reduced when the
tire temperature falls again.
These circumstances may cause a warning
when temperatures fall very sharply.
Sudden tire pressure loss
The system cannot indicate sudden serious tire
damage caused by external circumstances.
Failure to perform a reset
The system does not function properly if a reset
has not been carried out, for instance a flat tire is
reported though tire inflation pressures are cor‐
rect.
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ciency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehi‐
cle's handling and stopping ability. Please note
that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver's responsibility
to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-
inflation has not reached the level to trigger illu‐
mination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly. The TPMS
malfunction indicator is combined with the low
tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for approxi‐
mately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the mal‐
function exists. When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be able to de‐
tect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of
reasons, including the installation of replacement
or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that
prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Al‐
ways check the TPMS malfunction telltale after
replacing one or more tires or wheels on your ve‐
hicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate
tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to
function properly.
Functional requirements
The following conditions must be met for the
system; otherwise, reliable flagging of a loss of
tire inflation pressure is not assured:
▷ After a tire or wheel replacement, an initializa‐
tion was performed with the correct tire infla‐
tion pressure.
▷ After the tire inflation pressure was adjusted
to a new value, an initialization was per‐
formed.
Status display
The current status of the flat tire monitor can be
displayed, for instance whether the RPA is active.
Via iDrive:
1. "My Vehicle"
2. "Vehicle status"
3.
"Flat Tire Monitor"
The status is displayed.
Initialization required
An initialization must be performed in the follow‐
ing situations:
▷ After the tire inflation pressure has been ad‐
justed.
▷ After a tire or wheel replacement.
FTM Flat Tire Monitor
Performing initialization
Concept
The system detects tire inflation pressure loss
on the basis of rotation speed differences be‐
tween the individual wheels while driving.
When initializing, the set tire inflation pressures
serve as reference values in order to detect a flat
tire. Initialization is started by confirming the tire
inflation pressures.
Do not initialize the system when driving with
snow chains.
In the event of a tire inflation pressure loss, the
diameter and therefore the rotational speed of
the corresponding wheel changes. The differ‐
ence will be detected and reported as a flat tire.
Via iDrive:
1. "My Vehicle"
The system does not measure the actual infla‐
tion pressure in the tires.
2. "Vehicle status"
3.
"Flat Tire Monitor"
4. Start the engine but do not drive off.
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5. Start the initialization with: "Perform reset"
6. Drive away.
2. Check whether the vehicle is fitted with nor‐
mal tires or run-flat tires.
Run-flat tires, refer to page 255, are labeled
with a circular symbol containing the letters
RSC marked on the tire's sidewall.
The initialization is completed while driving,
which can be interrupted at any time.
The initialization automatically continues when
driving resumes.
Actions in the event of a flat tire
Messages
Normal tires
1. Identify the damaged tire.
General information
To do this, check the air pressure in all four
tires, for instance using the tire pressure gage
of a flat tire kit.
When a flat tire is indicated, DSC Dynamic Sta‐
bility Control is switched on, if needed.
If the tire inflation pressure in all four tires is
correct, the Flat Tire Monitor may not have
been initialized. In this case, initialize the sys‐
tem.
Safety information
WARNING
A damaged regular tire with low or missing tire
inflation pressure impacts handling, such as
steering and braking response. Run-flat tires
can maintain limited stability. There is a risk of
an accident. Do not continue driving if the vehi‐
cle is equipped with normal tires. Follow the in‐
formation on run-flat tires and continued driving
with these tires.
If identification of flat tire damage is not pos‐
sible, please contact a dealer’s service center
or another qualified service center or repair
shop.
2. Repair the flat tire, e.g., with a flat tire kit or by
changing the wheel.
Run-flat tires
Safety information
Indication of a flat tire
A yellow warning light is illuminated in
the instrument cluster.
WARNING
Your vehicle handles differently with a run-flat
with no or low inflation pressure; for instance,
your lane stability when braking is reduced,
braking distances are longer and the self-steer‐
ing properties will change. There is a risk of an
accident.
In addition, a symbol with a Check Control mes‐
sage appears on the Control Display.
Symbol Possible cause
There is a flat tire or a major loss in
tire inflation pressure.
Drive moderately and do not exceed a speed of
50 mph/80 km/h.
Measure
1. Reduce your speed and stop cautiously.
Avoid sudden braking and steering maneu‐
vers.
Maximum speed
You may continue driving with a damaged tire at
speeds up to 50 mph/80 km/h.
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Continued driving with a flat tire
Do not continue driving. Contact a dealer’s serv‐
ice center or another qualified service center or
repair shop.
If continuing to drive with a damaged tire:
1. Avoid sudden braking and steering maneu‐
vers.
System limits
The system could be delayed or malfunction in
the following situations:
2. Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
3. Check the air pressure in all four tires at the
next opportunity.
▷ A natural, even tire inflation pressure loss in
all four tires will not be recognized. Therefore,
check the tire inflation pressure regularly.
If the tire inflation pressure in all four tires is
correct, the Flat Tire Monitor may not have
been initialized. In this case, initialize the sys‐
tem.
▷ Sudden serious tire damage caused by exter‐
nal circumstances cannot be recognized in
advance.
Possible driving range with a
depressurized tire
▷ When the system has not been initialized.
▷ When driving on a snowy or slippery road sur‐
face.
The distance for which it may be possible to
drive safely varies depending on how the vehicle
is loaded and used, e.g., speed, road conditions,
external temperature. The driving range may be
less but may also be more if an economical driv‐
ing style is used.
▷ Sporty driving style: spinning traction wheels,
high lateral acceleration (drifting).
▷ When driving with snow chains.
If the vehicle is loaded with an average weight
and used under favorable conditions, the dis‐
tance for which it may be safe to drive may be up
to 50 miles/80 km.
Intelligent Safety
Concept
Intelligent Safety enables central operation of the
driver assistance system.
Vehicle handling with damaged tires
Vehicles driven with a damaged tire will handle
differently, potentially leading to conditions such
as the following:
Depending on how the vehicle is equipped, Intel‐
ligent Safety consists of one or more systems
that can help prevent an imminent collision.
These systems are active automatically every
time the engine is started using the Start/Stop
button:
▷ Greater likelihood of swerving off course.
▷ Longer braking distances.
▷ Changed self-steering properties.
▷ Approach control warning, refer to page 156.
▷ Pedestrian warning, refer to page 162.
Modify your driving style. Avoid abrupt steering
maneuvers or driving over obstacles, for instance
curbs or potholes.
Safety information
Final tire failure
Vibrations or loud noises while driving can indi‐
cate the final failure of a tire.
WARNING
The system cannot serve as a substitute for the
driver’s personal judgment in assessing visibility
and traffic situation. There is a risk of an acci‐
dent. Adjust driving style to traffic conditions.
Reduce speed and stop; otherwise, pieces of the
tire could come loose and cause an accident.
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Watch traffic closely and actively intervene
where appropriate.
Camera
WARNING
Indicators and warnings cannot serve as a sub‐
stitute for the driver’s personal judgment. Due
to its limits, the system might not output warn‐
ings or reactions or these might be output late,
incorrectly, or without justification. There is a
risk of an accident. Adjust driving style to traffic
conditions. Watch traffic closely and actively in‐
tervene where appropriate.
The camera is installed near the interior mirror.
Keep the windshield in front of the interior mirror
clean and clear.
Switching on/off
WARNING
The Intelligent Safety systems are automatically
active after every departure.
Due to system limits, individual functions can
malfunction during tow-starting/towing with the
Intelligent Safety systems activated. There is a
risk of an accident. Switch all Intelligent Safety
systems off prior to tow-starting/towing.
Press button: the systems are switched
off. The LED goes out.
Press button: the systems are switched on. The
LED lights up.
Overview
Settings can be made on the Control Display.
Button in the vehicle
Approach control warning
Depending on the equipment, the approach con‐
trol warning system consists of one of the two
systems:
▷ Approach control warning with City light brak‐
ing function, refer to page 157.
▷ Approach control warning with light braking
function, refer to page 160.
Intelligent Safety button
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Detection range
Approach control warning
with City light braking
function
Concept
The system can help prevent accidents. If an ac‐
cident cannot be prevented, the system will help
reduce the collision speed.
The system sounds a warning before an immi‐
nent collision and activates brakes independ‐
ently, if needed.
Objects that the system can detect are taken
into account.
The automatic braking intervention is done with
limited force and duration.
Safety information
A camera in the area of the interior mirror con‐
trols the system.
WARNING
The approach control warning is available even if
cruise control has been deactivated.
The system cannot serve as a substitute for the
driver’s personal judgment in assessing visibility
and traffic situation. There is a risk of an acci‐
dent. Adjust driving style to traffic conditions.
Watch traffic closely and actively intervene
where appropriate.
With the vehicle approaching another vehicle in‐
tentionally, the approach control warning and
braking are delayed in order to avoid false sys‐
tem reactions.
General information
WARNING
The system warns at two levels of an imminent
danger of collision at speeds from approx.
3 mph/5 km/h. Time of warnings may vary with
the current driving situation.
Indicators and warnings cannot serve as a sub‐
stitute for the driver’s personal judgment. Due
to its limits, the system might not output warn‐
ings or reactions or these might be output late,
incorrectly, or without justification. There is a
risk of an accident. Adjust driving style to traffic
conditions. Watch traffic closely and actively in‐
tervene where appropriate.
Appropriate braking kicks in at speeds of up to
35 mph/60 km/h.
WARNING
Due to system limits, individual functions can
malfunction during tow-starting/towing with the
Intelligent Safety systems activated. There is a
risk of an accident. Switch all Intelligent Safety
systems off prior to tow-starting/towing.
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Safety
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Setting the warning time
The warning time can be set.
Via iDrive:
Overview
Button in the vehicle
1. "My Vehicle"
2. "Vehicle settings"
3. "Intelligent Safety"
4. "Warning time"
5. Select the desired setting.
The selected time is stored for the driver profile
currently used.
Intelligent Safety button
Warning with braking function
Display
A warning symbol appears in the instrument
cluster and in the Head-up Display if a collision
with a detected vehicle is imminent.
Camera
Symbol Measure
Symbol lights up red: prewarning.
Brake and increase distance.
Symbol flashes red and an acoustic
signal sounds: acute warning.
The camera is installed near the interior mirror.
Brake and make an evasive maneu‐
ver, if necessary.
Keep the windshield in front of the interior mirror
clean and clear.
Prewarning
Switching on/off
This warning is issued, for instance when there is
the impending danger of a collision or the dis‐
tance to the vehicle ahead is too small.
Switching on automatically
The driver must intervene actively when there is
a prewarning.
The system is automatically active after every
driving off.
Acute warning with braking function
Switching off
Acute warning is displayed in case of the immi‐
nent danger of a collision when the vehicle ap‐
proaches another object at a high differential
speed.
Press button: the system is switched
off. The LED goes out.
Re-press button: the system is switched on. The
LED lights up.
The driver must intervene actively when there is
an acute warning. If necessary, the driver is as‐
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Safety
CONTROLS
sisted by a minor automatic braking intervention
in a possible risk of collision.
Thus, a system reaction might not come or
might come late.
Acute warnings can also be triggered without
previous forewarning.
E.g., the following situations may not be de‐
tected:
▷ Slow moving vehicles when you approach
them at high speed.
Braking intervention
The warning prompts the driver to react. During
a warning, the maximum braking force is used.
Prerequisite for the brake booster is sufficiently
quick and hard stepping on the brake pedal. If
there is a risk of collision, the system may assist
with braking. When the vehicle is traveling at a
low speed, the vehicle may come to a complete
stop.
▷ Vehicles that suddenly swerve in front of you,
or sharply decelerating vehicles.
▷ Vehicles with an unusual rear appearance.
▷ Two-wheeled vehicles ahead of you.
Functional limitations
The system may not be fully functional in the fol‐
lowing situations:
Manual transmission: during a braking interven‐
tion up to a complete stop, the engine may be
shut down.
▷ In heavy fog, wet conditions, or snowfall.
▷ In tight curves.
The braking intervention occurs only if vehicle
stability has not been restricted, for instance by
deactivating the DSC Dynamic Stability Control.
▷ If the driving stability control systems are lim‐
ited or deactivated, for instance DSC OFF.
▷ If, depending on the vehicle equipment ver‐
sion, the field of view of the camera in the
mirror or the radar sensor is dirty or obscured.
The driver may cancel the braking intervention
by stepping on the accelerator pedal or by ac‐
tively moving the steering wheel.
▷ Up to 10 seconds after the start of the engine
via the Start/Stop button.
Object detection can be restricted. Follow the
limitations of the detection range and functional
restrictions.
▷ During calibration of the camera immediately
after vehicle delivery.
▷ If there are constant blinding effects because
of oncoming light, for instance from the sun
low in the sky.
System limits
Safety information
Warning sensitivity
WARNING
The more sensitive the warning settings are, for
example the warning time, the more warnings are
displayed. Therefore, there may also be an ex‐
cess of premature or unjustified warnings and re‐
actions.
The system can react not at all, too late, incor‐
rectly, or without justification due to the system
limits. There is a risk of accidents or risk of
damage to property. Follow the information re‐
garding the system limits and actively intervene
if needed.
Detection range
The system's detection potential is limited.
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Safety
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Safety information
Approach control warning
with light braking function
WARNING
The system cannot serve as a substitute for the
driver’s personal judgment in assessing visibility
and traffic situation. There is a risk of an acci‐
dent. Adjust driving style to traffic conditions.
Watch traffic closely and actively intervene
where appropriate.
Concept
The system can help prevent accidents. If an ac‐
cident cannot be prevented, the system will help
reduce the collision speed.
The system sounds a warning before an immi‐
nent collision and activates brakes independ‐
ently, if needed.
The automatic braking intervention is executed
with limited braking force and for a brief period
only.
WARNING
Indicators and warnings cannot serve as a sub‐
stitute for the driver’s personal judgment. Due
to its limits, the system might not output warn‐
ings or reactions or these might be output late,
incorrectly, or without justification. There is a
risk of an accident. Adjust driving style to traffic
conditions. Watch traffic closely and actively in‐
tervene where appropriate.
If the vehicle is equipped with Active Cruise Con‐
trol with Stop&Go, the approach control warning
is controlled via the cruise control radar sensor.
The approach control warning is available even if
cruise control has been deactivated.
With the vehicle approaching another vehicle in‐
tentionally, the approach control warning and
braking are delayed in order to avoid false sys‐
tem reactions.
WARNING
Due to system limits, individual functions can
malfunction during tow-starting/towing with the
Intelligent Safety systems activated. There is a
risk of an accident. Switch all Intelligent Safety
systems off prior to tow-starting/towing.
General information
The system issues a two-phase warning of a
possible risk of collision with vehicles at speeds
above approx. 3 mph/5 km/h. Time of warnings
may vary with the current driving situation.
Overview
Detection range
Button in the vehicle
Objects that the system can detect are taken
into account.
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Safety
CONTROLS
Intelligent Safety button
The selected time is stored for the profile cur‐
rently used.
Radar sensor
Warning with braking function
Display
A warning symbol appears in the instrument
cluster and in the Head-up Display if a collision
with a detected vehicle is imminent.
A radar sensor is located in the front bumper for
detecting vehicles on the road ahead of the vehi‐
cle.
Symbol Measure
Symbol lights up red: prewarning.
Brake and increase distance.
Symbol flashes red and an acoustic
signal sounds: acute warning.
Brake and make an evasive maneu‐
ver, if necessary.
Always keep radar sensor clean and unob‐
structed.
Prewarning
Switching on/off
This warning is issued, for instance when there is
the impending danger of a collision or the dis‐
tance to the vehicle ahead is too small.
Switching on automatically
The system is automatically active after every
driving off.
The driver must intervene actively when there is
a prewarning.
Switching off
Acute warning with braking function
Press button: the system is switched
off. The LED goes out.
Acute warning is displayed in case of the immi‐
nent danger of a collision when the vehicle ap‐
proaches another object at a high differential
speed.
Re-press button: the system is switched on. The
LED lights up.
The driver must intervene actively when there is
an acute warning. If necessary, the driver is as‐
sisted by an automatic braking intervention in a
possible risk of collision.
Setting the warning time
The warning time can be set.
Via iDrive:
Acute warnings can also be triggered without
previous forewarning.
1. "My Vehicle"
2. "Vehicle settings"
3. "Intelligent Safety"
4. "Warning time"
Braking intervention
The detection of objects can be influenced by
technical system limitations, for instance pedes‐
trians or stationary objects. Observe the limita‐
5. Select the desired setting.
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Safety
CONTROLS
tions of the detection range and functional re‐
strictions.
▷ Slow moving vehicles when you approach
them at high speed.
The warning prompts the driver to react. During
a warning, the maximum braking force is used.
Prerequisite for the brake booster is sufficiently
quick and hard stepping on the brake pedal. The
system can assist with automatic braking inter‐
vention if there is a risk of a collision. The braking
intervention can bring the vehicle to a complete
stop.
▷ Vehicles that suddenly swerve in front of you,
or sharply decelerating vehicles.
▷ Vehicles with an unusual rear appearance.
▷ Two-wheeled vehicles ahead of you.
▷ Pedestrians.
▷ Stationary objects.
Functional limitations
The system may not be fully functional in the fol‐
lowing situations:
Manual transmission: during a braking interven‐
tion up to a complete stop, the engine may be
shut down.
The braking intervention occurs only if vehicle
stability has not been restricted, for instance by
deactivating the DSC Dynamic Stability Control.
▷ In heavy fog, wet conditions, or snowfall.
▷ In tight curves.
▷ If the driving stability control systems are lim‐
ited or deactivated, for instance DSC OFF.
At speeds above approx. 130 mph/210 km/h, the
braking intervention occurs as a brief braking
pressure. No automatic delay occurs.
▷ If the radar sensor is dirty or obscured.
The driver may cancel the braking intervention
by stepping on the accelerator pedal or by ac‐
tively moving the steering wheel.
Warning sensitivity
The more sensitive the warning settings are, for
example the warning time, the more warnings are
displayed. Therefore, there may also be an ex‐
cess of premature or unjustified warnings and re‐
actions.
System limits
Safety information
Person warning with City
light braking function
WARNING
The system can react not at all, too late, incor‐
rectly, or without justification due to the system
limits. There is a risk of accidents or risk of
damage to property. Follow the information re‐
garding the system limits and actively intervene
if needed.
Concept
The system can help prevent accidents with pe‐
destrians.
When driving at city speeds, the system will is‐
sue a warning if there is imminent risk of a colli‐
sion with pedestrians, and support this with a
light braking function.
Detection range
The system's detection potential is limited.
Thus, a system reaction might not come or
might come late.
The camera in the area of the interior mirror con‐
trols the system.
E.g., the following situations may not be de‐
tected:
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Safety
CONTROLS
General information
WARNING
With sufficient brightness, the system warns
about possible collision danger with pedestrians
starting at approx. 6 mph/10 km/h to approx.
35 mph/60 km/h and assists with braking before
a collision.
Indicators and warnings cannot serve as a sub‐
stitute for the driver’s personal judgment. Due
to its limits, the system might not output warn‐
ings or reactions or these might be output late,
incorrectly, or without justification. There is a
risk of an accident. Adjust driving style to traffic
conditions. Watch traffic closely and actively in‐
tervene where appropriate.
The system reacts to people who are within the
detection range of the system.
Detection range
WARNING
Due to system limits, individual functions can
malfunction during tow-starting/towing with the
Intelligent Safety systems activated. There is a
risk of an accident. Switch all Intelligent Safety
systems off prior to tow-starting/towing.
The detection area in front of the vehicle is div‐
ided into two areas:
Overview
▷ Central area, arrow 1, directly in front of the
vehicle.
Button in the vehicle
▷ Expanded area, arrow 2, to the right and left
of the central area.
A collision is imminent if pedestrians are located
within the central area. A warning is issued about
pedestrians who are located within the extended
area only if they are moving in the direction of the
central area.
Intelligent Safety button
Safety information
WARNING
The system cannot serve as a substitute for the
driver’s personal judgment in assessing visibility
and traffic situation. There is a risk of an acci‐
dent. Adjust driving style to traffic conditions.
Watch traffic closely and actively intervene
where appropriate.
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Safety
CONTROLS
Camera
Braking intervention
The warning prompts the driver to react. During
a warning, the maximum braking force is used.
Prerequisite for the brake booster is sufficiently
quick and hard stepping on the brake pedal. If
there is a risk of collision, the system may assist
with braking. When the vehicle is traveling at a
low speed, the vehicle may come to a complete
stop.
Manual transmission: during a braking interven‐
tion up to a complete stop, the engine may be
shut down.
The camera is installed near the interior mirror.
Keep the windshield in front of the interior mirror
clean and clear.
The braking intervention occurs only if vehicle
stability has not been restricted, for instance by
deactivating the DSC Dynamic Stability Control.
Switching on/off
The driver may cancel the braking intervention
by stepping on the accelerator pedal or by ac‐
tively moving the steering wheel.
Switching on automatically
The system is automatically active after every
driving off.
Object detection can be restricted. Follow the
limitations of the detection range and functional
restrictions.
Switching off
System limits
Press button: the systems are switched
off. The LED goes out.
Safety information
Press button: the systems are switched on. The
LED lights up.
WARNING
The system can react not at all, too late, incor‐
rectly, or without justification due to the system
limits. There is a risk of accidents or risk of
damage to property. Follow the information re‐
garding the system limits and actively intervene
if needed.
Warning with braking function
Display
If a collision with a person detected in this way is
imminent, a warning symbol appears on the in‐
strument cluster and in the Head-up Display.
The red symbol is displayed and a signal
sounds.
Detection range
The detection potential of the camera is limited.
With instrument display: the red symbol
is displayed and a signal sounds.
Thus, a warning might not be issued or be is‐
sued late.
E.g., the following situations may not be de‐
tected:
Intervene immediately by braking or make an
evasive maneuver.
▷ Partially covered pedestrians.
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Safety
CONTROLS
▷ Pedestrians that are not detected as such be‐
cause of the viewing angle or contour.
The system does not provide a warning if the
turn signal is set before leaving the lane.
▷ Pedestrians outside of the detection range.
Safety information
▷ Pedestrians having a body size less than
32 in/80 cm.
WARNING
Functional limitations
The system cannot serve as a substitute for the
driver’s personal judgment in assessing road
and traffic safety. There is a risk of an accident.
Adjust driving style to traffic conditions. Watch
traffic closely and actively intervene where ap‐
propriate. Do not jerk the steering wheel in re‐
sponse to a warning.
The system may not be fully functional or may
not be available in the following situations:
▷ In heavy fog, wet conditions, or snowfall.
▷ In tight curves.
▷ If the driving stability control systems are de‐
activated, for instance DSC OFF.
▷ If the field of view of the camera or the wind‐
shield are dirty or covered.
WARNING
▷ Up to 10 seconds after the start of the engine
via the Start/Stop button.
Indicators and warnings cannot serve as a sub‐
stitute for the driver’s personal judgment. Due
to its limits, the system might not output warn‐
ings or reactions or these might be output late,
incorrectly, or without justification. There is a
risk of an accident. Adjust driving style to traffic
conditions. Watch traffic closely and actively in‐
tervene where appropriate.
▷ During calibration of the camera immediately
after vehicle delivery.
▷ If there are constant blinding effects because
of oncoming light, for instance from the sun
low in the sky.
▷ When it is dark outside.
Overview
Lane departure warning
Button in the vehicle
Concept
The lane departure warning alerts when the vehi‐
cle on roads with lane markings is about to leave
the lane.
General information
Depending on the country version, the system
issues a warning at speeds between
35 mph/55 km/h and 45 mph/70 km/h.
When switching on the system below this speed,
a message is displayed in the instrument cluster.
Lane departure warning
Warnings are issued by means of a steering
wheel vibration. The time of the warning may
vary depending on the current driving situation.
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Safety
CONTROLS
Camera
End of warning
The warning is canceled in the following situa‐
tions:
▷ Automatically after approx. 3 seconds.
▷ When returning to your own lane.
▷ When braking hard.
▷ When using the turn signal.
System limits
The camera is installed near the interior mirror.
Safety information
Keep the windshield in front of the interior mirror
clean and clear.
WARNING
The system can react not at all, too late, incor‐
rectly, or without justification due to the system
limits. There is a risk of accidents or risk of
damage to property. Follow the information re‐
garding the system limits and actively intervene
if needed.
Switching on/off
Press button.
▷ On: the LED lights up.
▷ Off: the LED goes out.
The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐
rently used.
Functional limitations
The system may not be fully functional in the fol‐
lowing situations:
Display in the instrument cluster
▷ Lines: system is activated.
▷ In heavy fog, wet conditions, or snowfall.
▷ Arrows: at least one lane marking was
detected and warnings can be issued.
▷ In the event of missing, worn, poorly visible,
merging, diverging, or multiple lane markings
such as in construction areas.
▷ When lane markings are covered in snow, ice,
dirt or water.
Display in the instrument display
▷ Symbol orange: system is activated.
▷ In tight curves or on narrow lanes.
▷ Green symbol: at least one lane mark‐
ing was detected and warnings can
be issued.
▷ When the lane markings are covered by ob‐
jects.
▷ When driving very close to the vehicle in front
of you.
Issued warning
▷ When driving toward bright lights.
▷ When the windshield in front of the interior
mirror is fogged over, dirty or covered with
stickers, etc.
If you leave the lane
If you leave the lane and if a lane marking has
been detected, the steering wheel vibrates.
▷ During calibration of the camera immediately
after vehicle delivery.
If the turn signal is switched on before changing
the lane, a warning is not issued.
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Safety
CONTROLS
Active Blind Spot Detection
WARNING
Indicators and warnings cannot serve as a sub‐
stitute for the driver’s personal judgment. Due
to its limits, the system might not output warn‐
ings or reactions or these might be output late,
incorrectly, or without justification. There is a
risk of an accident. Adjust driving style to traffic
conditions. Watch traffic closely and actively in‐
tervene where appropriate.
Concept
Active Blind Spot Detection detects vehicles in
the blind spot or vehicles approaching from be‐
hind in the adjacent lane. A warning is issued in
various gradations in these situations.
General information
Overview
Button in the vehicle
Two radar sensors in the rear bumper monitor
the area behind and next to the vehicle at speeds
above approx. 30 mph/50 km/h.
The system indicates whether there are vehicles
in the blind spot, arrow 1, or approaching from
behind in the adjacent lane, arrow 2.
Active Blind Spot Detection
The light in the exterior mirror housing is dim‐
med.
Radar sensors
Before you change lanes after setting the turn
signal, the system issues a warning in the situa‐
tions described above.
The light in the exterior mirror housing flashes
and the steering wheel vibrates.
Safety information
WARNING
The radar sensors are located in the rear
bumper.
The system cannot serve as a substitute for the
driver’s personal judgment in assessing visibility
and traffic situation. There is a risk of an acci‐
dent. Adjust driving style to traffic conditions.
Watch traffic closely and actively intervene
where appropriate.
Switching on/off
Press button.
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Safety
CONTROLS
▷ On: the LED lights up.
▷ Off: the LED goes out.
System limits
Safety information
The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐
rently used.
WARNING
Display
The system can react not at all, too late, incor‐
rectly, or without justification due to the system
limits. There is a risk of accidents or risk of
damage to property. Follow the information re‐
garding the system limits and actively intervene
if needed.
Light in the exterior mirror housing
Functional limitations
The system may not be fully functional in the fol‐
lowing situations:
▷ When a vehicle is approaching at a speed
much faster than your own.
Prewarning
▷ In heavy fog, wet conditions, or snowfall.
▷ In tight curves or on narrow lanes.
The dimmed light in the exterior mirror housing
indicates when there are vehicles in the blind
spot or approaching from behind.
▷ If the bumper is dirty, iced up, or covered,
for instance by stickers.
▷ If cargo protrudes.
Acute warning
A Check Control message is displayed when the
system is not fully functional.
If the turn signal is switched on while a vehicle is
in the critical zone, the steering wheel vibrates
briefly and the light in the exterior mirror housing
flashes brightly.
Brake force display
The warning stops when the turn signal is
switched off, or the other vehicle leaves the criti‐
cal zone.
Concept
Additional brake lights indicate emergency brak‐
ing to the traffic behind. This can reduce the risk
of a rear-end collision.
Brief flashing
A brief flashing of the light during vehicle unlock‐
ing serves as system self-test.
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Safety
CONTROLS
This procedure takes the following criteria into
account:
General information
▷ Personal driving style, for instance steering
behavior.
▷ Driving conditions, for instance length of trip.
Starting at approximately 43 mph/70 km/h, the
system is active and can display a recommenda‐
tion to take a break.
Break recommendation
If the driver becomes less alert or fatigued, a
message is displayed in the Control Display with
the recommendation to take a break.
▷ During normal brake application, the bottom
brake lights light up.
▷ During heavy brake application, the top brake
lights additionally light up.
A recommendation to take a break is displayed
only once during an uninterrupted trip.
After a break, another recommendation to take a
break cannot be displayed until after approxi‐
mately 45 minutes.
Alertness assistant
Concept
System limits
The function may be limited in the following sit‐
uations, for instance and will either output an in‐
correct warning or no warning at all:
The system can detect decreasing alertness or
fatigue of the driver during long, monotonous
trips, for instance on highways. In this situation, it
is recommended that the driver takes a break.
▷ When the clock is set incorrectly.
Safety information
▷ When the vehicle speed is mainly below
about 43 mph/70 km/h.
▷ With a sporty driving style, such as during
rapid acceleration or when cornering fast.
WARNING
The system cannot serve as a substitute for the
driver’s personal judgment in assessing one's
physical state. An increasing lack of alertness or
fatigue may not be detected or not be detected
in time. There is a risk of an accident. Make
sure that the driver is rested and alert. Adjust
driving style to traffic conditions.
▷ In active driving situations, such as when
changing lanes frequently.
▷ When the road surface is poor.
▷ In the event of strong side winds.
The system is reset approx. 45 minutes after
parking the vehicle, for instance in the case of a
break during longer trips on highways.
Function
The system is switched on each time the engine
is started and cannot be switched off.
After travel has begun, the system monitors cer‐
tain aspects of the driver's behavior, so that de‐
creasing alertness or fatigue can be detected.
169
