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EnglishControls -> Driving for your BMW 5 Series 2004-2010
Driving
Ignition lock
Start/Stop button
Inserting remote control into ignition
lock
Pressing the Start/Stop button switches the
radio readiness or the ignition on and off.
The engine is started when you press the
Start/Stop button and depress the clutch
if the car has manual transmission or the brake if
the car has automatic transmission.<
Insert the remote control as far as possible into
the ignition lock.
Radio readiness switches on.
Some electronic systems/consumers are ready
for operation.
Radio readiness
Some electronic systems/consumers are ready
for operation. The time and outside tempera-
ture are displayed in the instrument cluster.
Comfort access*
With comfort access, only insert the remote
control into the ignition lock in exceptional
cases, refer to page 38.
Radio readiness is switched off:
>
when the remote control is removed from
the ignition lock
Removing remote control from ignition
lock
>
with comfort access* by touching the sur-
face on the door handle, refer to Locking on
page 39
Do not pull the remote control out of the
ignition lock using force, as otherwise
damage may result.<
Ignition on
Before removing the remote control, first press
it in as far as possible to release the locking
device.
All electronic systems/consumers are ready for
operation. The odometer and the trip odometer
are displayed in the instrument cluster, refer to
page 78.
The ignition is switched off if it was still
switched on.
Please switch off the ignition and the
electronic systems/consumers which are
not required when the engine is not running to
save the battery.<
Automatic and sport automatic
transmission
The remote control can only be removed when
transmission position P is selected: interlock.
61
3. Press the Start/Stop button.
Radio readiness and ignition
switched off
Automatic and sport automatic
transmission*
All indicator and warning lamps in the instru-
ment cluster go out.
Remote control in ignition lock or with comfort
access in vehicle, refer to page 38.
Starting engine
1. Depress brake pedal.
2. Press the Start/Stop button.
Do not run the engine in closed rooms,
otherwise the inhalation of toxic exhaust
gases can cause unconsciousness and death.
The exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide,
an odorless and colorless, but highly toxic gas.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the
engine running, as such a vehicle represents a
potential safety hazard.
Before leaving the vehicle with the engine run-
ning, select the idling position, or shift the trans-
mission into position P and firmly apply the
handbrake, otherwise the vehicle can begin to
roll.<
Switching off engine
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
remote control with you.
When parking, firmly apply the handbrake, as
otherwise the vehicle could roll.<
Manual transmission
1. Press the Start/Stop button with the vehicle
stopped.
2. Shift into first gear or reverse.
3. Firmly apply the handbrake.
Avoid frequent starting in quick succes-
sion or repeated starting attempts in
which the engine does not start. Otherwise, the
fuel is not burned or inadequately burned and
there is a danger of overheating and damaging
the catalytic converter.<
4. Remove the remote control from the igni-
tion lock, refer to page 61.
Automatic and sport automatic
transmission*
Do not allow the engine to warm up by leaving it
running while the vehicle remains stationary.
Instead, begin to drive at a moderate engine
speed.
1. Shift transmission into position P with the
vehicle stopped.
2. Press the Start/Stop button.
3. Firmly apply the handbrake.
4. Remove the remote control from the igni-
tion lock, refer to page 61.
Before driving into a car wash
The vehicle can roll if you proceed according to
the following steps:
1. With comfort access: insert the remote con-
trol into the ignition lock.
Manual transmission
2. Depress brake pedal.
Remote control in ignition lock or with comfort
access in vehicle, refer to page 38.
3. Shift into transmission position N.
4. Switch off the engine.
1. Depress brake pedal.
Transmission position P will be engaged:
2. Depress the clutch pedal and shift into
idling position.
>
automatically after approx. 30 minutes
62
>
if you remove the remote control from the
ignition lock
Manual transmission
Handbrake
The handbrake is primarily intended to prevent
the vehicle from rolling while parked; it brakes
the rear wheels.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp lights up, and a sig-
nal also sounds when starting off. The
handbrake is applied.
While shifting in the 5th/6th gear lane,
press the gearshift lever toward the right,
otherwise accidental shifting into the 3rd or 4th
gear could result in engine damage.<
Indicator lamp for Canadian models.
Reverse gear
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
When pressing the gearshift lever to the left,
overcome some resistance.
Applying
The lever locks in position automatically.
Releasing
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic*
In addition to fully automatic operation, you can
also manually shift with the Steptronic, refer to
page 64.
Transmission positions
P R N D M/S + –
Pull slightly upwards, press the button and
lower the lever.
Displays in instrument cluster
If exceptional circumstances should
make it necessary to apply the handbrake
while the vehicle is in motion, do not pull it too
firmly. In doing so, continuously press the but-
ton of the handbrake lever. Otherwise, too firm
an application of the handbrake can lock up the
rear wheels and cause the rear of the car to
swerve.<
To prevent corrosion and one-sided brak-
ing action, occasionally apply the hand-
brake lightly when the vehicle is slowly coming
to a stop if the traffic conditions are suitable.
The brake lamps do not light up when the hand-
brake is applied.<
P R N D DS S1* to S6* M1 to M6
The transmission position is indicated, and in
the manual mode, the gear currently engaged.
63
Engaging transmission position
P Park
>
Do not leave the transmission position P
until the engine is running: interlock.
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
The rear wheels are locked.
>
With the vehicle stationary, depress the
brake pedal before shifting out of P or N;
otherwise the shift command will not be
executed: shiftlock.
P is engaged automatically as soon as
you switch off the engine unless N is
engaged and with comfort access the remote
control is inserted in the ignition lock, refer to
Before driving into a car wash, page 62.<
To prevent the vehicle from creeping
after you select a driving position,
maintain pressure on the brake pedal until
you are ready to start.<
N Neutral
Can, for example, be engaged in automatic car
washes. The vehicle can roll.
Engaging N, D, R
N remains engaged even after the engine
is switched off whenever you leave the
remote control in the ignition lock. This function
is useful, for example, in automatic car washes,
refer to page 62<
D Drive, automatic position
Position for normal vehicle operation. All for-
ward gears are available.
Kick-down
Briefly press the selector lever in the desired
direction, beyond a resistance point if neces-
sary. Press button 1 simultaneously out of P or
into R.
Kick-down enables you to achieve maximum
performance.
Press the accelerator pedal beyond the
increased resistance at full throttle.
The engaged transmission position is also dis-
played on the selector lever.
Sport program and manual mode M/S
The selector lever immediately returns to the
center position when released.
Engaging P
Press selector lever toward the left from trans-
mission position D:
The sport program is activated, and DS is dis-
played in the instrument cluster; with the sport
automatic transmission* also S1 to S6. This
position is recommended for a performance-
oriented driving style.
Press button P.
R Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
64
When the selector lever is pressed forward or
back, the manual mode is activated and the
Steptronic shifts the gear. The instrument clus-
ter shows M1 through M6.
3. Insert a screwdriver from the onboard tool
kit, refer to page 237, into the opening,
arrow 1.
Upshifts and downshifts are only carried out at a
suitable engine and vehicle speed, e.g. a down-
shift is not carried out at excessively high
engine speeds. The selected gear is briefly dis-
played in the instrument cluster, followed by the
current gear.
To resume automatic mode, press the selector
lever to the right.
4. Pull the screwdriver toward the rear until it is
heard to engage, arrow 2, and leave it
inserted in the opening. The transmission
lock is released.
Manually unlocking and locking
transmission lock
In case of a power failure, e.g. when the battery
is drained or disconnected, or an electrical fault,
manually release the transmission lock, as oth-
erwise the rear wheels are blocked and the
vehicle cannot be towed.
Releasing on sport automatic
transmission*
1. Unclip the sleeve of the selector lever.
Only manually release the transmission lock for
towing and firmly apply the handbrake before-
hand so that the vehicle cannot roll. Reengage
the transmission lock after parking the vehicle
at its destination.
2. Pull the sleeve over the selector lever.
Unlocking
1. Reach into the trim-piece opening, arrow 1,
and firmly pull the trim piece upward,
arrow 2.
3. Reach into the trim-piece opening, arrow 1,
and firmly pull the trim piece upward,
arrow 2.
2. Remove cover over the opening, refer to 3.
4. Remove cover over the opening, refer to 5.
65
5. Insert a screwdriver from the onboard tool
kit, refer to page 237, into the opening,
arrow 1.
Shift paddles on steering wheel
The shift paddles allow you to shift gears
quickly, as both hands can remain on the steer-
ing wheel.
>
>
When you use the shift paddles on the
steering wheel to shift gears in automatic
mode, the gearshift system switches into
the manual mode.
If you do not shift with the shift paddles and
do not accelerate for a certain time, the sys-
tem switches into the automatic mode
again when the selector lever is in D.
6. Pull the screwdriver toward the rear until it is
heard to engage, arrow 2, and leave it
inserted in the opening. The transmission
lock is released.
Locking
1. Pull out the screwdriver upward.
The transmission lock is locked again.
>
>
To shift up: pull one of the shift paddles.
To shift down: press one of the shift pad-
dles.
Dynamic Driving Control
The Dynamic Driving Control makes it possible
for your BMW to react in an even more perfor-
mance-oriented manner at the push of a button:
2. Reinstall the cover and the trim piece.
>
The speed range of the engine is optimally
utilized.
Information on jump starting and towing from
page 248.
>
>
Gearshifts are faster.
The engine responds more spontaneously
to accelerator pedal movements.
Sport automatic
transmission*
You can also shift manually with two shift pad-
dles on the steering wheel.
>
>
The steering will operate in an even sportier
mode.
In the automatic mode, the 6th gear is not
engaged.
You can also choose between two driving pro-
grams: Normal or Sport, refer to Dynamic Driv-
ing Control.
66
Activating system
Using turn signals
Press the lever beyond the resistance point.
To turn off manually, press the lever to the
resistance point.
Atypically rapid flashing of the indicator
lamp indicates that a turn signal bulb
needs to be replaced.<
Signaling briefly
Press lever to resistance point and hold for as
long as you wish to signal.
Press the SPORT button.
The LED in the button lights up and SPORT is
displayed in the instrument cluster.
Triple turn signal activation
Press the lever to the resistance point; the turn
signal flashes three times.
Deactivating system
>
>
>
Press the SPORT button again
You can activate or deactivate this function.
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page 16.
Engage reverse gear
Switch off engine
1. Press the
button.
The LED in the button and SPORT in the instru-
ment cluster go out.
This opens the start menu.
2. Press the controller to open the menu.
3. Select "Settings" and press the controller.
4. Select "Vehicle / Tires" and press the con-
troller.
Turn signals/
headlamp flasher
5. Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the
controller until "Lighting" is selected and
press the controller.
1
2
3
High beams
Headlamp flasher
Turn signals
6. Select "Triple turn signal" and press the
controller.
Triple turn signaling is activated.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
67
Activating rain sensor
Wiper system
Press the button, arrow 3. The LED in the but-
ton lights up.
1
2
3
4
Switching on wipers
Switching off wipers or brief wipe
Activating/deactivating rain sensor
Adjusting rain sensor sensitivity level
Turn the knurled wheel 5.
Cleaning windshield, headlamps and
BMW Night Vision camera*
Deactivating rain sensor
5
Adjusting rain sensor sensitivity level
Press the button again, arrow 3. The LED goes
out.
Switching on wipers
Deactivate the rain sensor when passing
through an automatic car wash. Failure to
do so could result in damage caused by undes-
ired wiper activation.<
Pull the lever upward, arrow 1.
The lever automatically returns to its initial posi-
tion when released.
Normal wiper speed
Cleaning windshield, headlamps* and
BMW Night Vision camera*
Press once.
The system reverts to operation in the intermit-
tent mode when the vehicle is stationary.
Pull the lever, arrow 4.
The system sprays washer fluid against the
windshield and activates the wipers for a brief
period.
Fast wiper speed
Press twice or press beyond the resistance
point.
The system reverts to normal speed when the
vehicle is stationary.
With the vehicle lighting switched on, the head-
lamps and the BMW Night Vision camera are
also cleaned simultaneously at suitable inter-
vals.
Rain sensor
Do not use the washing mechanisms if
there is any danger that the fluid will
The wiper operation is controlled automatically
as a function of the rain intensity. The rain sen-
sor is located on the windshield, directly in front
of the interior rearview mirror.
freeze on the windshield. If you do so, your
vision could be obscured. To avoid freezing,
use a washer fluid antifreeze, refer to Washer
fluid. Do not use washing mechanisms when
the washer fluid reservoir is empty, otherwise
you will damage the washer pump.<
68
Windshield washer nozzles
Both windshield washer nozzles are automati-
cally heated with the engine running or the igni-
tion switched on.
Sports Wagon:
Rear window wiper
All washer nozzles are supplied from one reser-
voir.
Fill with water and – if required – with a washer
antifreeze, according to manufacturer's recom-
mendations.
In order to maintain the mixture ratio, mix
the washer fluid before filling.<
1
2
Intermittent mode. When reverse gear is
engaged, continuous operation is switched
on automatically
Capacity
Sedan:
Cleaning the rear window
Approx. 3.2 US quarts/3 liters, with headlamp
washer system* approx. 5.3 US quarts/5 liters.
Do not use washing mechanisms when
the washer fluid reservoir is empty, other-
Sports Wagon: approx. 5.3 US quarts/5 liters.
wise you will damage the washer pump.<
Cruise control*
Washer fluid
The concept
Washer fluid antifreeze is flammable.
For this reason, keep it away from ignition
sources and store only in the closed original
container out of reach of children. Otherwise,
there is the danger of bodily injury. Always
observe the instructions for use provided on the
containers.<
The cruise control is available for use at speeds
of approx. 20 mph/30 km/h and higher. The
vehicle stores and maintains the speed that you
set using the lever mounted on the steering col-
umn. To maintain the specified speed, the sys-
tem brakes if the engine braking effect is not
sufficient on a downhill grade. Speed can drop
on uphill grades if the engine output is insuffi-
cient.
Filler neck for washer fluid
Only add washer fluid with the engine
cooled down to exclude contact with hot
engine components. Otherwise there is a dan-
ger of fire and to personal safety if the fluid is
spilled.<
Do not use the cruise control under driv-
ing conditions that do not permit a con-
stant speed, e.g. when driving on winding
roads, in heavy traffic or in poor road conditions
such as snow, rain, ice, and loose road surface.
Otherwise you could loose control of the vehi-
cle and cause an accident.<
69
>
when DTC is activated or DSC is deacti-
vated
One lever for all functions
>
>
when the DSC comes on
when you brake with the handbrake
Resuming stored speed
Press button 4:
The stored speed is resumed and maintained.
Deactivating system
1
2
Maintaining, storing and increasing speed
>
Press the lever up or down twice, arrow 3
Maintaining speed, storing speed, and
decelerating
>
Switch off the ignition
The speed stored in the memory is deleted.
3
4
Interrupting and deactivating system
Resuming stored speed
Displays in instrument cluster
Maintaining, storing and increasing
speed
Press lever to resistance point, arrow 1:
The speed currently being driven is maintained
and stored. The display 1 in the speedometer,
see below, indicates this regulated speed.
Every time you press the lever, the vehicle's
speed increases by roughly 1 mph/1 km/h.
Press lever to resistance point for a longer time:
The vehicle accelerates without pressure on
the accelerator pedal. The system maintains
and stores your current speed as soon as you
release the lever.
1
2
Stored speed
Selected speed is displayed briefly
Active cruise control*
Maintaining speed, storing speed, and
decelerating
With active cruise control you can select a
desired speed which is then automatically
maintained when driving on open roadways and
is varied to maintain a selected distance setting
to slower moving vehicles ahead.
Pull the lever, arrow 2:
Functions are the same as 1; the speed is
reduced.
Active cruise control represents 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
freeways or other high-speed thoroughfares.
Especially on longer trips and in traffic conges-
tion, the system can reduce fatigue and tension,
while increasing your enjoyment of driving.
Please use it safely and responsibly.
Interrupting system
Press the lever up or down, arrow 3: the
display 1 in the speedometer changes color.
In addition, the system is automatically inter-
rupted:
>
>
when braking
when you clutch, shift very slowly and when
you engage the idling or the N position of
the automatic transmission
70
In addition to holding a steady cruising speed, if
you encounter slower vehicles ahead, active
cruise control will, within limits, adjust your
vehicle's speed automatically so that you can
flow with the traffic without having to make con-
stant adjustments. If, for example, while cruis-
ing at the selected speed, you begin to
Brake pedal feel
When the system brakes and you also depress
the brake pedal, a somewhat different braking
feel results.
Professional* navigation system
If a navigation DVD is in the drive, refer to
page 142, within limits the system adjusts the
accelerating and braking behavior of the vehicle
to the road you are driving on.
approach a slower vehicle ahead of you in the
same lane, the system will reduce your vehicle's
speed to the same as that of the vehicle ahead
to maintain your selected distance setting. You
can vary the following distance, which will vary
with speed. Based on your selected distance
setting, the system automatically decreases the
throttle setting and lightly applies the brakes if
necessary. In addition, if the vehicle ahead of
you slows to a complete stop, the system can
follow this action within the given scope and
can also accelerate from a complete stop if the
vehicle ahead of you drives off again shortly
thereafter. During braking, your vehicle brake
lamps will automatically illuminate to alert a fol-
lowing driver to take action. In addition, it may
be necessary for your vehicle to downshift the
automatic transmission to maintain the dis-
tance setting selected. As soon as the road in
front of you has no moving vehicles, the system
will accelerate to your desired speed. This set
speed is also maintained on downhill grades,
however the vehicle speed can drop below the
set speed when driving uphill if the engine out-
put is not sufficient.
To ensure that the system is informed of
the current course of the road, always use
the latest navigation DVD if possible.<
When the vehicle position is unknown, e.g.
when you leave the map area, this influence of
the navigation system is not available.
Applications
Please try the system first during sparse traffic
and clear road conditions so that you can get
used to the system. After you have experience
and understand the system, only then use it
during normal traffic.
As with conventional cruise control systems,
active cruise control in no way reduces or sub-
stitutes for the driver's own personal experi-
ence, responsibility, alertness and awareness in
adjusting speed, braking or otherwise control-
ling 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 as well as in slow-moving traffic. Do
not use the system in city driving; in complex
driving situations; heavy traffic such as during
rush hour; on curvy, winding roads, slippery
roads or roads with sharp curves such as high-
way off-ramps; during inclement weather such
as snow, strong rain or fog; or when entering
interchanges, 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, espe-
cially when the system is actively following a
vehicle in front of you. Otherwise, driving condi-
Active cruise control cannot detect stop
signs, red lights, or any object that is
stopped or is blocking the road.
Active cruise control is not and must not be
used as a collision avoidance/warning system.
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, it is necessary that you read
all of the pages relating to this system before
use. Carefully read and observe the information
on the system limitations beginning on page 75
to obtain a good command of the system and its
range of applications.<
71
tions can result which lead to a violation of the
law or elevated risk of an accident.
Increasing desired speed
Press or tap the lever to the resistance point or
beyond, arrow 1, until the desired speed is dis-
played.
The speed then displayed is stored and
achieved on a clear road.
The minimum initial activation speed is 20 mph/
30 km/h, and the maximum speed is 110 mph/
180 km/h. However, you can also activate the
system while stopped, refer to While stopped,
page 73.
>
>
Each time the lever is tapped to the resis-
tance point, the desired speed is increased
by approx. 1 mph/1 km/h.
One lever for all functions
Each time the lever is tapped beyond the
resistance point, the desired speed
increases to the next fives place of the mph
speedometer display or the next tens place
of the km/h speedometer display.
Reducing desired speed
Pull the lever, arrow 2, until the desired speed is
displayed.
1
2
3
Storing and increasing desired speed
Storing and reducing desired speed
These functions are operated in the same man-
ner as increasing your desired speed.
Interrupting, refer to page 73,
or deactivating system, refer to page 74
Selecting distance
4
5
Activating stored desired speed and dis-
tance, refer to page 73, or driving off, refer
to While stopped, page 73
Selecting distance to vehicle driving ahead,
refer to page 72.
Storing current speed
Tap the lever, arrow 1, or briefly pull it, arrow 2.
>
>
Briefly press rocker switch downward:
Increase distance.
Briefly press rocker switch upward:
Reduce distance.
The system stores the current vehicle speed. It
is indicated on the speedometer and briefly in
the instrument cluster.
72
The selected distance is displayed in the instru-
ment cluster.
>
when DTC is activated or DSC is deacti-
vated
>
>
>
when DSC comes on
Distance 1, closest
when you apply the handbrake
when you release the safety belt and open
the driver's door with the vehicle stopped
>
when the system does not recognize any
objects for an extended period of time, e.g.
on infrequently traveled roads without a
shoulder or guard rails, or if the radar sensor
is covered with dirt, refer to page 74
Distance 2
Distance 3
If the system is interrupted, then it is nec-
essary for the driver to actively intervene
by braking and steering. Otherwise, there is a
risk of an accident.<
Distance 4, furthest
This distance is always set when
you activate the system.
Resuming stored desired speed and
distance
While driving
Use good judgment to select the appro-
priate following distance, given road con-
ditions, traffic, applicable laws and State driving
recommendations for safe following distance.
Otherwise, a violation of the law or risk of an
accident could result.<
Press button 4.
The displays appear in the instrument cluster.
While stopped
Before leaving the vehicle with the engine
running, engage position P of the auto-
matic transmission and apply the handbrake.
Otherwise the vehicle can roll.<
Interrupting cruise control
If a detected vehicle in front of you brakes to a
complete stop and your vehicle has also been
braked to a complete stop by the system:
>
If the vehicle in front of you drives off while
the marking 1 for the desired speed in the
speedometer is green, your vehicle will
accelerate without you having to do any-
thing.
Press the lever upward or downward, and with
the vehicle stopped also depress the brake
pedal. The marking in the speedometer
changes color and the distance indicator goes
out.
>
If the vehicle in front of you drives off while
the marking 1 is orange, you briefly depress
the accelerator pedal or press button 4.
Rolling bars in the distance indicator 3
mean that the vehicle in front of you has
driven off.
In addition, the system is automatically inter-
rupted:
If you are stopped behind a vehicle with the
brake pedal depressed and the system is inter-
rupted or deactivated:
>
>
when you apply the vehicle brakes
when you shift the transmission
73
1. Press button 4 to activate a stored desired
speed or select a desired speed with the
lever, arrow 1 or arrow 2.
Warning lamps
The indicator 2 continuously
flashes yellow.
The prerequisites for operating the
system are no longer met, e.g. as a
result of ABS or DSC interven-
tions. The system brakes until you actively take
over.
2. Release the brake pedal.
3. If the vehicle in front of you drives off, briefly
depress the accelerator pedal or press
button 4.
Deactivating system
>
>
>
Press the lever upward or downward twice
while driving.
The indicator 2 flashes red; a sig-
nal sounds.
The system indicates that you
When stopped, do the same with the brake
pedal depressed.
must brake and/or maneuver the
vehicle yourself. The system can-
not automatically restore the distance to the
vehicle driving ahead.
However, this display cannot relieve the driver
of the responsibility for adjusting the desired
speed and driving style to the traffic conditions.
Switch off the ignition.
The displays turn off, and the stored desired
speed and distance are deleted.
Displays in instrument cluster
Radar sensors
1
Stored desired speed
> Green: the system is active.
> Orange: the system is interrupted.
1
2
Long-range sensor
Location of the short-range sensors behind
the bumper
2
3
Lights up yellow: vehicle detected ahead
Display also used for warnings, please read
all information on warnings
3
Location of the short-range sensors behind
the bumper with the M sports package*
Selected distance to vehicle ahead
The indicator lights up as soon as the sys-
tem is activated
Heavy rain and also dirt, snow or ice can limit
the detection of vehicles ahead. If needed,
clean the radar sensor under the front bumper
as well as the bumper area covering the short
range sensors. When doing so, be particularly
careful in removing layers of snow and ice.
Do not apply adhesive labels etc. in the area of
the short-range sensors.
The bars roll: the vehicle in front of you has
driven off
4
Brief display of stored desired speed
If the display --- mph/--- km/h appears
briefly, the conditions necessary for oper-
ation may currently not be met.<
If the sensor is not aligned properly, e.g. due to
damage, the active cruise control cannot be
activated.
74
System limitations
As with conventional cruise control sys-
that the system may not detect smaller moving
objects such as motorcycles or bicycles. Be
especially alert when encountering any of these
situations as the system will neither automati-
cally 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 alertness.<
tems, active cruise control in no way
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; in complex driving situations; 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 interchanges, ser-
vice/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 sys-
tem is actively following a vehicle in front of
you.<
The system cannot allow the vehicle to drive off
automatically in situations that make driving off
considerably more difficult, e.g. on steep uphill
grades, with a heavy trailer or before raised
areas in the road.
Near radio astronomy stations, the system
radar is deactivated at speeds under 20 mph/
30 km/h due to legal regulations.
Be certain to interrupt the system when
you pull into an exit lane for a highway
offramp.<
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 that is actually in
the lane next to yours. Always be ready to take
action or apply the brakes if necessary.
Always remember that the range and abil-
ity of the system do have physical limita-
tions. For example, the system may not detect
vehicles driving ahead if they suddenly brake
heavily in stop-and-go traffic during accelera-
tion. The system will not apply the brakes or
slow your vehicle when a very slow-moving
vehicle, stopped vehicle or stationary object is
in the lane ahead of you, for example when
approaching a traffic light or parked vehicle or
when a vehicle is stalled in your lane. Also, the
system does not react to oncoming traffic,
pedestrians or other types of potential traffic
such as a rider on a horseback. It is also possible
In addition, the system is interrupted
whenever the driver applies the vehicle
brakes, shifts the transmission from drive/D to
neutral/N, or deactivates DSC. After any inter-
ruption, the system will no longer automatically
activate the vehicle brakes, which means the
driver must intervene and resume manual brak-
ing. You should then reactivate the system only
when you are fully aware of the prior speed and
distance settings.<
75
Active cruise control may brake when you
reduce the stored desired speed; however, the
driver must constantly monitor traffic and inter-
vene if necessary.
Take action yourself, otherwise there is a risk of
an accident.<
Behavior in curves
When you switch off the engine or ignition,
active cruise control is fully switched off, too,
and any settings you have selected are can-
celed.
Unexpected lane change
If the selected desired speed for a curve is too
high, the system reduces the speed within a
curve. However, it cannot detect curves in
advance. Therefore, select a suitable speed at
the start of a curve.
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.
If a vehicle in front of you is behind a stopped
vehicle and unexpectedly changes lanes, you
must react yourself, as the system does not
react to stopped vehicles.
Swerving vehicles
In approaching a curve, it is possible that active
cruise control might 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.
When a vehicle swerves out of adjacent lanes
into your lane, the system does not detect the
vehicle until it is completely in your lane.
When a vehicle ahead suddenly swerves
into your lane, the system may not be able
to restore the selected distance automatically.
This also applies to great differences in speed
between your vehicle and vehicles ahead, e.g.
when quickly approaching a truck. 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 vehicle yourself.
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Driver interventions and your
responsibility
Anytime the driver presses down on the
accelerator pedal, any automatic braking
action by the system is interrupted and the dis-
tance indicator turns off until the pedal is fully
released. As soon as you fully release the accel-
erator, the system will once again control your
cruising speed and distance setting. While driv-
ing with the system activated, resting your foot
on the accelerator pedal will cause the system
not to brake even if necessary. Be certain that
floormats or other objects on the vehicle floor
do not interfere with movement of the accelera-
tor pedal.<
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. It
uses only a portion of braking system capacity
and does not utilize the full capacity of the vehi-
cle braking system. Therefore, the system can-
not decrease your speed due to large differ-
ences in speed between your vehicle and the
vehicle ahead. Example: 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.<
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