Auto User Guide

BMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual

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BMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual

Introduction

Between 2020 and 2023, the BMW 5 Series will offer the cutting-edge safety feature known as Active Blind Spot Detection. It is intended to increase driver awareness and aid in preventing accidents brought on by incidents involving the blind spot. In this section, we’ll go over Active Blind Spot Detection in great detail, covering its features, advantages, and method of operation.

Active Blind Spot Detection keeps an eye on the blind spots on both sides of the car by using a combination of sensors and cameras that are placed carefully around it. These sensors look for other cars by continuously scanning the lanes next to them. The system warns the driver visually and audibly when a vehicle enters the blind spot area. One of the main advantages of Active Blind Spot Detection is that it adds an additional layer of safety by helping the driver find vehicles that might be obscured from their field of vision. This feature is especially helpful when changing lanes on a highway or when there is a lot of traffic because it can be easy to miss vehicles in the blind spot.

Active Blind Spot Detection

Principle
Active Blind Spot Detection detects vehicles in the blind spot or vehicles approaching from be‐hind in the adjacent lane.
The light in the exterior mirror warns the driver in different steps.

General informationBMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual-01

Radar sensors monitor the area behind and next to the vehicle when traveling faster than a mini‐mum speed. The minimum speed is country-specific and is displayed in the menu for the intelligent Safety systems. The system indicates whether there are vehicles in the blind spot, arrow 1, or approaching from behind in the adjacent lane, arrow 2. The light in the exterior mirror lights up dimmed. Before you change lanes after setting the turn signal, the system issues a warning in the situations described above. The light in the exterior mirror flashes and the steering wheel vibrates. Vehicles with side collision mitigation: at speeds of up to 130 mph/210 km/h, the system can intervene with a brief active steering intervention and help guide the vehicle back into the lane. The steering intervention occurs when a mini‐mum speed is reached. This minimum speed is displayed on the Control Display in the menu for the steering intervention.

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 accident. Adjust driving style to traffic conditions. Watch traffic closely and actively intervene where appropriate.

Warning
Indicators and warnings cannot serve as a substitute for the driver’s personal judgment. Due to its limits, the system may not issue warnings or reactions, or these may be issued late or in a manner that is not consistent with their normal use. There is a risk of accident. Adjust driving style to traffic conditions. Watch traffic closely and actively intervene where appropriate.

Overview

Button in the vehicleBMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual-02

BMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual-03Intelligent Safety

Sensors
The system is controlled by the following sensors:

  • Radar sensors, side, rear. Additional information:
    Sensors of the vehicle, refer to page 35.

Turning on/off

Turning on automatically
Active Blind Spot Detection is automatically activated after departure if the function was switched on at the completion of the last trip.

Switching on manually

BMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual-03Press the button.

The menu for the Intelligent Safety system is displayed. If all Intelligent Safety systems were switched off, all systems are now switched on. “Configure INDIVIDUAL”: depending on the equipment version, the Intelligent Safety systems can be individually configured. The individual settings are activated and stored. As soon as a setting is changed on the menu, all settings of the menu are activated.

BMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual-03Press the button repeatedly.
The following settings are switched between:

“ALL ON”: all Intelligent Safety systems are switched on. Basic settings are activated for the sub functions.
“INDIVIDUAL”: the Intelligent Safety systems are switched on according to the individual settings.
Some Intelligent Safety systems cannot be individually switched off.

Manual switching off

BMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual-03Press and hold this button.

All Intelligent Safety systems are switched off.

Button Status

BMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual-03Button lights up green: all Intelligent Safety systems are switched on.
BMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual-03Button lights up orange: some Intelligent Safety systems are switched off or currently unavailable.
BMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual-03Button does not light up: all Intelligent Safety systems are switched off.

Setting the warning time

  1.  “CAR”
  2. “Settings”
  3.  “Driver Assistance”
  4.  “Safety and Warnings”
  5.  “Active Blind Spot Detection”
  6. Select the desired setting.

Setting the intensity of the steering wheel vibration

  1. “CAR”
  2.  “Settings”
  3.  “Driver Assistance”
  4.  “Steering Wheel Feedback”
  5.  “Vibration intensity”
  6. Select the desired setting.

The setting is applied to all Intelligent Safety systems.

Vehicles with side collision mitigation: switching steering intervention on/off
The steering intervention can be switched on and off separately for Active Blind Spot Detection and lane departure warning.

  1. “CAR”
  2. “Settings”
  3.  “Driver Assistance”
  4. “Safety and Warnings”
  5.  “Active Blind Spot Detection”
  6.  “Steering intervention”

Warning function
Light in the exterior mirrorBMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual-05

Prewarning
The dimmed light in the exterior mirror indicates when there are vehicles in the blind spot or approaching from behind.

Acute warning
When 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 flashes brightly. The warning stops when the other vehicle has left the critical area or the turn signal has been deactivated.

Vehicles with side collision mitigation
When there is no response to the vibration of the steering wheel at speeds of up to 130 mph/210 km/h and the lane marking is crossed, the system intervenes with a brief active steering intervention. The steering intervention helps return the vehicle into the lane. The steering intervention can be noticed on the steering wheel and can be manually overridden at any time.

Flashing of the light
A flashing of the light during vehicle unlocking serves as system self-test.

System limits
Safety information

Warning
The system is designed to operate in certain conditions and circumstances. Due to conditions or other factors, the system may not respond. There may be a risk of accident or risk of damage to property. Actively intervene as warranted. Refer to the information in this Owner’s Manual regarding the scope of the system’s operation and limitations.

Upper speed limit
If the vehicle speed exceeds approx.
155 mph/250 km/h, the system is deactivated temporarily.
If the vehicle speed falls below approx.
155 mph/250 km/h, the system once again responds according to the setting.

System limits of the sensors
Additional information:

  • -Radar sensors, refer to page 36.
  • On vehicles with side collision warning: cam‐eras, refer to page 35.

Functional limitations
The system may be limited in the following situations:

  • When a vehicle is approaching at a speed much faster than your own.
  • In tight curves or on narrow roads.
  •  The bumper is dirty, iced up or covered, for instance by stickers.

For vehicles with side collision mitigation, the steering intervention can be limited, for instance in the following situation:

  •  In the event of missing, worn, poorly visible, merging, diverging, or multiple lane markings such as in construction areas.
  • With lane boundaries that are covered in snow, ice, dirt or water.
  • With lane boundaries that are not white.
  •  With lane boundaries that are covered by objects.
  • When driving very close to the vehicle in front of you.
  •  If the camera is impaired.
  • Up to 10 seconds after the start of the engine via the Start/Stop button.

A Check Control message is displayed when the system is not fully functional.

Displaying warnings
Depending on the selected warning settings, e.g., warning time, more or fewer warnings can be displayed. However, there may also be an ex‐cess of premature warnings of critical situations.

Side collision mitigation

Principle
The side collision warning helps to avoid imminent side collisions.

General informationBMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual-09

Radar sensors monitor the space next to the vehicle when traveling faster than a minimum speed of up to approx. 130 mph/210 km/h. The minimum speed is country-specific and is displayed in the menu for the intelligent Safety systems. The front camera determines the lane marking positions. If, for instance, another vehicle is detected next to the vehicle and if there is a risk of collision with this vehicle, the system helps avoid the collision. For this purpose, the system issues a warning with a blinking LED in the exterior mirror and a vibrating steering wheel. If necessary, the system will carry out an active steering intervention.

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 accident. Adjust driving style to traffic conditions. Watch traffic closely and actively intervene where appropriate.

Warning
Indicators and warnings cannot serve as a substitute for the driver’s personal judgment. Due to its limits, the system may not issue warnings or reactions, or these may be issued late or in a manner that is not consistent with their normal use. There is a risk of accident. Adjust driving style to traffic conditions. Watch traffic closely and actively intervene where appropriate.

Functional requirement
The camera must detect the lane markings for the side collision mitigation with steering intervention to be active.

Overview
Button in the vehicleBMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual-06

BMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual-03Intelligent Safety

Setting the intensity of the steering wheel vibration

  1.  “CAR”
  2. “Settings”
  3.  “Driver Assistance”
  4.  “Steering Wheel Feedback”
  5. “Vibration intensity”
  6. Select the desired setting.

The setting is applied to all Intelligent Safety systems.BMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual-08

Acute warning
If there is a risk of collision, the light in the exterior mirror flashes and the steering wheel vibrates.
A Check Control message is displayed at the same time.
If necessary, an active steering intervention takes place to prevent the collision and maintain the vehicle within its own lane.
The steering intervention can be noticed on the steering wheel and can be manually overridden at any time.

Warning function
Light in the exterior mirror

System limits
Safety information

Warning
The system is designed to operate in certain conditions and circumstances. Due to conditions or other factors, the system may not respond. There may be a risk of accident or risk of damage to property. Actively intervene as warranted. Refer to the information in this Owner’s Manual regarding the scope of the system’s operation and limitations.

System limits of the sensors
Additional information:

Functional limitations
The system may be limited in the following situations:

  •  When a vehicle is approaching at a speed much faster than your own.
  • In tight curves or on narrow roads.
  • In the event of missing, worn, poorly visible, merging, diverging, or multiple lane markings such as in construction areas.
  • With lane boundaries that are covered in snow, ice, dirt or water.
  • With lane boundaries that are covered by objects.
  • When driving very close to the vehicle in front of you.
  • Up to 10 seconds after the start of the engine via the Start/Stop button.

A Check Control message is displayed when the system is not fully functional.

Rear-end collision preparation

Principle
Depending on the equipment and national-market version, the rear-end collision preparation can react to vehicles approaching from behind.

General informationBMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual-09

Radar sensors monitor the area behind the vehicle. When a vehicle approaches from the rear at a certain speed, the system can react as as follows:

  • Where applicable, the hazard warning flashers will be switched on.
  • Where applicable, the Pre Crash functions are triggered.

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 accident. Adjust driving style to traffic conditions. Watch traffic closely and actively intervene where appropriate.

Warning
Indicators and warnings cannot serve as a substitute for the driver’s personal judgment. Due to its limits, the system may not issue warnings or reactions, or these may be issued late or in a manner that is not consistent with their normal use. There is a risk of accident. Adjust driving style to traffic conditions. Watch traffic closely and actively intervene where appropriate.

Overview
Sensors
The system is controlled by the following sensors:

  • Radar sensors, side, rear. Additional information:
    Sensors of the vehicle, refer to page 35.

Switching on/off
The system is automatically active when the vehicle is turned on.
The system is deactivated in the following situations:
When driving in reverse.

System limits

System limits of the sensors
Additional information:

  • Radar sensors, refer to page 36.
  • Functional limitations
    The system may not be fully functional in the following situations:
  • When a vehicle is approaching at a speed much faster than your own.
  • The approaching vehicle is approaching slowly.

If equipped with Equipment Stop Assistant

Principle
If the driver is no longer fit to drive, the Emergency Stop Assistant helps to safely bring the vehicle to a standstill.

General information
The emergency stop function is not triggered automatically. The emergency stop function can only be triggered manually by the occupants. When the system is activated, the vehicle is brought to a standstill in its own lane by use of lane guidance. Depending on the equipment version and national market version, the system includes a lane change function. With lane change function: on motorways or motor way like roads, the system steers the vehicle to the side of the road or shoulder where possible. On other roads or under high traffic conditions, the vehicle is brought to a standstill on the actual road.

OverviewBMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual-25

BMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual-11Parking brake

Functional requirements

  •  The function can be activated at speeds of approx. 6 mph/10 km/h up to approx. 155 mph/250 km/h.
  • With lane change function: lane changes are executed when the traffic situation allows.

Activating the emergency stop function

BMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual-11Pull the switch for the parking brake briefly to activate the emergency stop function.

  •  With lane change function: releasing the switch may trigger an automatic lane change.
  •  The system will take control of the vehicle for a maximum of 2 minutes.
  •  The hazard warning system is switched on.
  • An emergency call is triggered.

Canceling the emergency stop function
The driver can cancel the emergency stop function by actively taking control of the vehicle throughout the entire process.
For instance, the emergency stop function will be canceled in the following situations:

  •  When steering.
  • When blinking.
  • When depressing the accelerator pedal.
  • When switching off the hazard warning system.
  • When canceling the Emergency Request.
  • When switching the selector lever position at standstill.
  • When the switch of the parking brake is pressed.

At standstill
As soon as the vehicle is stationary, the system will carry out the following settings:

  •  The vehicle is secured against rolling away.
  •  The interior lights are switched on.
  • The central locking system is unlocked.

Displays in the instrument cluster

Icon : Status

BMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual-12Emergency Stop function active.

Without lane change function:

BMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual-13'Green steering wheel symbol:
When lane markings are detected, the system keeps the vehicle in the lane.

BMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual-14Gray steering wheel symbol: Lane guidance is briefly interrupted.

BMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual-15Yellow steering wheel symbol:
Lane marking driven over.
When lane markings are detected, the system keeps the vehicle in the lane.

BMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual-16Yellow steering wheel symbol:
The hands are not grasping the steering wheel. The system is still active.

BMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual-18Red steering wheel symbol and a signal sounds:
The hands are not grasping the steering wheel. Interruption of lane guidance is imminent.

System limits
Use the system only in the event of a driver failure.

The system cannot replace the driving performance of a driver who is fit to drive.

BMW Drive Recorder

Principle
The BMW Drive Recorder stores brief video recordings of the vehicle surroundings, e.g., to document surrounding traffic.

General information
There are various ways for storing video recordings:

  • Automatic storage of the recording.
  • The function allows the documentation of the event of an accident.
  • Manual storage of the recording.
  • The function allows the documentation of traffic situations.

The system records up to 20 seconds before and after the activation of the storage. Cameras of the assistance systems are used, for instance Panorama View. Additionally, the following parameters are stored for the trip:

  •  Date.
  •  Time.
  • Vehicle speed.
  • Global Positioning System coordinates.

Data protection
The permissibility of recording and using video recordings is contingent upon the statutory regulations of the country in which the system is to be used. The user is responsible for the use of the system and compliance with the respective regulations. The manufacturer of the vehicle recommends confirming there are no statutory or regulatory constraints on use of the system in your state or country prior to the initial use. In addition, the laws with respect to use of the system should be verified in regular intervals, especially when bor‐ders are frequently crossed. Other drivers of the vehicle must be informed about the system. In addition, information about the system is required when handing off the ve‐hicle.

Functional requirements

  • BMW Drive Recorder is activated.
  • Privacy Policy accepted.
  • Recording type selected.
  • Recording time selected.

Activating/deactivating the BMW Drive Recorder
The BMW Drive Recorder must be activated be‐fore the first use of the recording function.

  1.  “Apps”
  2.  “Drive Recorder”
  3.  Accept Privacy Policy.
  4. “Settings”
  5.  “Recording allowed”
  6.  Select the desired setting.

Recording functions
Automatic recording
The recording is stored automatically when the vehicle sensors detect an accident occurrence.

Manual recording
Using the button

BMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual-19Press and hold this button.

Via iDrive

  1.  “Apps”
  2.  “Drive Recorder”
  3.  “Start recording”
  4. To stop the recording: “Cancel”.

Recording can also be started by selecting the widget on the Control Display.

Recording playback and administration
Stored video recordings can be played back, ex‐ported and deleted.
For your own safety, the video recording is only displayed on the Control Display up to approx. 2 mph/3 km/h. In some national-market versions, the video recording is only displayed if the parking brake is engaged or if the selector lever is in selector lever position P.

  1. “Apps”
  2. “Drive Recorder”
  3.  “Saved recordings”
  4.  Select desired recording.
  5. Select the desired setting.

If a camera change occurred during the recording, different segments of the video can be selected.

Settings
General information

Different settings can be made.
Recording type

  1. “Apps”
  2. “Drive Recorder”
  3.  “Settings”
  4.  “RECORDING TYPE”
  5. Select the desired setting.

Recording time

  1.  “Apps”
  2.  “Drive Recorder”
  3.  “Settings”
  4. Select the desired setting.

Cameras

  1.  “Apps”
  2.  “Drive Recorder”
  3. “Settings”
  4.  “Camera selection”
  5. Select desired camera.

In case of an accident, the system switches automatically to “All” cameras. If driver assistance systems are active, their cam‐era views are selected automatically.

System limits
In the event of serious accidents, it may not be possible to store recordings if the damage on the vehicle is too great or the power supply was interrupted.
Active Protection

Principle
Active Protection prepares occupants and the vehicle for a possible accident in critical driving or collision situations.

General information
Depending on the equipment and national-market version, Active Protection consists of various PreCrash functions.
The system is used to detect certain critical driving situations that might lead to an accident. This includes the following critical driving situations:

  • Emergency stop.
  • Severe understeering.
  • Severe oversteering.

Certain functions of several systems can, within the system limits, lead to Active Protection triggering:

  • Forward Collision Warning: automatic brake intervention.
  • Front collision mitigation: Brake Assistant
  • Rear collision preparation: detection of imminent rear collisions.

Safety information

Warning
The system cannot serve as a substitute for the driver’s personal judgment. Due to the system limits, critical situation could not be detected reliably or in time. There is a risk of accident. Adjust driving style to traffic conditions. Watch traffic closely and actively intervene where appropriate.

Function
When the safety belt is fastened, the driver’s and front passenger’s belt straps are automatically tightened once after driving away. In accident critical situations, the following individual functions become active as needed:

  •  Automatic pretensioning of the front safety belts.
  •  Automatic window closing up to a narrow gap.
  • Automatic closing of the glass sunroof, including sun protection.
  • For vehicles equipped with comfort seats in the front: automatic positioning of the back‐rest for the front passenger seat.

After a critical driving situation without an accident, the front safety belts are loosened again. If the belt tension does not loosen automatically, stop the vehicle and unbuckle the safety belt using the red button in the buckle. Fasten the safety belt before continuing on your trip.

All other systems can be restored to the desired setting.

Post Crash – iBrake

Principle
In the event of an accident, Post Crash can bring the vehicle to a halt automatically without intervention by the driver in certain situations.

General information
Post Crash can reduce the risk of another collision and subsequent consequences.

At standstill
After coming to a halt, the brake is released automatically.

Harder vehicle deceleration
In certain situations, it can be necessary to bring the vehicle to a halt more quickly than the Brake Assistant allows. To do this, quickly apply extra force to the brake. For a brief period, the braking pressure will be higher than the braking pressure that is achieved by the automatic braking function.

Automatic braking is interrupted.
Interrupting automatic braking It can be necessary to interrupt automatic braking in certain situations, for instance for an evasive maneuver.

Interrupt automatic braking:

  • By pressing the brake pedal.
  • By pressing the accelerator pedal.

Fatigue alert

Principle
The Fatigue Alert can detect decreasing alert‐ness or fatigue of the driver during long, monotonous trips, for instance on highways. The system recommends a break.

Safety information

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 accident. Make sure that the driver is rested and alert. Adjust driving style to traffic conditions.

Function
The system is switched on each time drive-ready state is switched on. After travel has begun, the system monitors certain aspects of the driver’s behavior, so that de‐creasing alertness or fatigue can be detected. This procedure takes the following criteria into account:

  • Personal driving style, for instance steering behavior.
  • Driving conditions, for instance time, length of trip.
  • Depending on the equipment: attention of the driver through the Driver Attention Cam‐era.

Starting at approx. 43 mph/70 km/h, the system is active and can also display a recommendation to take a break.

Break recommendation
Adjusting

The fatigue alert is active automatically with each switching on of drive-ready state and can thus display a break recommendation. The break recommendation can also be switched on or off and adjusted via iDrive.

  1. Break recommendation
    Adjusting
  2. The fatigue alert is active automatically with each switching on of drive-ready state and can thus display a break recommendation.
  3. The break recommendation can also be switched on or off and adjusted via iDrive.

Display
If the driver becomes less alert or fatigued, a message is displayed in the Control Display with the recommendation to take a break. During the display, various settings can be selected. After a break, another recommendation to take a break cannot be displayed until after approximately 45 minutes.

System limits
The function may be limited in the following situations and may issue an incorrect warning or no warning at all:

  1.  When the time is set incorrectly.
  2. When the vehicle speed is mainly below about 43 mph/70 km/h.
  3.  With a sporty driving style, such as during rapid acceleration or when cornering fast.
  4.  In active driving situations, such as when changing lanes frequently.
  5.  When the road condition is poor.
  6.  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.

Driving stability control systems

Vehicle features and options

This chapter describes all standard, country-specific and optional features offered with the series. It also describes features and functions that are not necessarily available in your vehicle, e.g., due to the selected options or country versions. This also applies to safety-related functions and systems. When using these functions and systems, the applicable laws and regulations must be observed.

Antilock Braking System ABS

The Antilock Braking System (ABS) prevents locking of the wheels during braking.
The vehicle maintains its steerability even during emergency braking, which increases the active driving safety.
ABS is operational every time you start the engine.

Brake assistant
The Brake Assistant effects maximum braking assistance when the brake is applied quickly. It reduces the braking distance to a minimum during emergency braking. The advantages of the Antilock Braking System (ABS) are thereby utilized. Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal for the duration of emergency braking.

Adaptive brake assistant

In combination with Active Cruise Control ACC, this system ensures that the brakes respond even more rapidly when braking in critical situations.

Drive-off assistant
Principle
The drive-off assistant supports driving off on uphill grades.

Driving off

  1.  Hold the vehicle in place with the foot brake.
  2. Release the foot brake and drive off without delay.

After the foot brake is released, the vehicle is held in place for approx. 2 seconds.
Depending on the vehicle loading, the vehicle may roll back slightly.

DSC Dynamic Stability Control

Principle
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) helps to keep the vehicle on a steady course by reducing drive power and by brake intervention on individ‐ual wheels.

General information
DSC detects the following unstable driving conditions, for instance:

  1. Skidding, which can lead to oversteering.
  2. Loss of adhesion of the front wheels, which can lead to understeering.

Safety information

Warning
The system cannot serve as a substitute for the driver’s personal judgment in assessing the traffic situation. Based on the limits of the system, it cannot independently react to all traffic situations. There is a risk of accident. Adjust driving style to traffic conditions. Watch traffic closely and actively intervene where appropriate.

Warning
When driving with a roof load, for instance with roof-mounted luggage rack, the vehicle’s center of gravity is higher, which increases the risk of the vehicle tipping in critical driving situations. There may be a risk of accident or risk of damage to property. Driving with roof load only with activated Dynamic Stability Control.

Overview
Button in the vehicleBMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual-10

BMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual-20DSC OFF.

Deactivating/activating DSC

General information
When DSC is deactivated, driving stability is reduced during acceleration and when driving in curves. To increase driving stability, activate DSC again as soon as possible.

Deactivating DSC

BMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual-20Hold the button down until DSC OFF is displayed in the instrument cluster and
the DSC OFF indicator light is illuminated.

Activating DSC

BMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual-20Press the button.

DSC OFF and the DSC OFF indicator light turn off.
Display

In the instrument cluster
When DSC is deactivated, DSC OFF is displayed in the instrument cluster.

Indicator/warning lights

BMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual-24The indicator light lights up: DSC is de‐activated.
BMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual-24The indicator light flashes: DSC controls the drive and braking forces.

The indicator light lights up: DSC has malfunctioned.

DTC Dynamic Traction Control

Principle
Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) is a version of the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) where drive power is optimized. The system ensures maximum drive power on unusual road conditions, for instance unplowed snow covered roads, or loose road surfaces, but with somewhat limited driving stability.

General information
When DTC is activated, the vehicle has maxi‐mum traction. Driving stability is limited during acceleration and when driving in curves. You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC in the following situations:

  • When driving in slush or on uncleared, snow-covered roads.
  •  When driving off from deep snow or loose ground.
  • When driving with tire chains.

Overview
Button in the vehicleBMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual-10

BMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual-20DSC OFF.

Activating/deactivating DTC Activating DTC

BMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual-20Press the button.

TRACTION is displayed in the instrument cluster and the indicator light for DSC OFF lights up.

Deactivating DTC

Press the button again TRACTION and the DSC OFF indicator light turn off.

Display
Display in the instrument cluster

If DTC is activated, TRACTION is displayed in the instrument cluster.

Indicator/warning lights

BMW 5 Series 2020-2023 Active Blind Spot Detection User Manual-24The indicator light lights up: DTC is activated.

Automatic program change
In certain situations, the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is activated automatically:

  • If Active Cruise Control with Stop& Go function ACC is activated.
  •  On a brake intervention by the Intelligent Safety systems.
  • The vehicle has a flat tire.

xDrive

Principle
xDrive is the all-wheel-drive system of the vehicle. Concerted action by the xDrive and and other suspension control systems, such as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), further optimizes traction and driving dynamics.

General information
xDrive variably distributes the driving power to the front and rear axles as demanded by the driving situation and road condition.
The Driving Dynamics Control is used to change the all-wheel distribution from traction oriented to sport oriented.
Because of the needs-based use of the all-wheel-drive system, Efficient4x4 yields a reduction in consumption.

M sport differential
The active M differential provides for continuously variable locking of the rear axle differential depending on the driving situation. This prevents spinning of a single rear wheel and thereby pro‐vides optimal traction in any driving situation.
The driver is responsible adapting his or her driving style to the situation.

Integral Active Steering

Principle
The Integral Active Steering increases the maneuverability and makes a more direct steering response possible.

General information
Integral Active Steering is a combination of variable steering ratio and rear axle steering. The steering is more direct because the variable steering ratio amplifies the wheel angle while maneuvering. The rear axle steering acts to in‐crease maneuverability at low speeds by turning the rear wheels slightly in the opposite direction to the front wheels.

At higher speeds, the rear wheels are turned in the same direction as the front wheels. For in‐stance, this results in a harmonious lane change. In critical driving situations, the Integral Active Steering can stabilize the vehicle through purposeful steering of the rear wheels before the driver intervenes, for instance in case of over‐steering.

Tuning
The system offers several different tunings.

Driving mode : Integral Active Steering

  • COMFORT : Comfortable, for optimal
    ECO PRO : travel comfort.
    SPORT Dynamic, for greater agility

The different tunings are assigned to the different  driving modes of the Driving Dynamics Control.

Additional information:
Driving Dynamics Control, refer to page 138.

Using tire chains
In order to guarantee free movement of the wheels when operating with tire chains, rear axle steering of the integral active steering must be switched off when tire chains are mounted.

Additional information
Rear axle steering during operation with tire chains, refer to page 341.

Malfunction
In the event of a malfunction, the steering wheel must be turned further at lower speeds, while the vehicle responds more sensitively to steering wheel movements in the higher speed range. The stability-enhancing intervention may be de‐activated. Proceed cautiously and drive defensively. Have the system checked by a dealer’s service center or another qualified service center or re‐pair shop.

Variable Sport Steering

The variable sport steering facilitates direct and agile handling with little steering effort. The variable sports steering works independently of the current speed, varying the steering ratio in line with the steering angle.

FAQs

  1. What is Active Blind Spot Detection in the BMW 5 Series?
    The BMW 5 Series has an advanced safety feature called Active Blind Spot Detection that assists drivers in identifying vehicles in their blind spots and issues visual and audible alerts to help avoid potential collisions.
  2. How does Active Blind Spot Detection work?
    Active Blind Spot Detection keeps an eye on the blind spots on both sides of the car using radar sensors and cameras. The system warns the driver through visual warnings in the side mirrors and audible alerts when another vehicle is detected in the blind spot.
  3. Can Active Blind Spot Detection completely eliminate blind spots?
    Active Blind Spot Detection aids drivers in recognizing objects in their blind spots but does not entirely eradicate them. However, for safe lane changes, drivers should still visually check their blind spots and use their side mirrors.
  4. Does Active Blind Spot Detection work at all speeds?
    Active Blind Spot Detection is made to help drivers in a variety of driving situations, including highway speeds and clogged city traffic, and it does so at all speeds.
  5. Can I adjust the sensitivity of Active Blind Spot Detection?
    You can change the Active Blind Spot Detection’s sensitivity to suit your preferences or the circumstances of your driving. For customization options, refer to the owner’s manual or settings menu on your car.
  6. Does Active Blind Spot Detection work in all weather conditions?
    Active Blind Spot Detection is made to function in a variety of weather, but severe weather conditions, like a lot of rain or snow, may impair its effectiveness. In inclement weather, it is always advised to use caution and visual inspections.
  7. Can Active Blind Spot Detection detect motorcycles or bicycles?
    Yes, motorcycles and bicycles can be detected by Active Blind Spot Detection in the blind spot areas. It’s crucial to keep in mind, though, that smaller objects might be harder to find than bigger vehicles.
  8. Does Active Blind Spot Detection work during parking or low-speed maneuvers?
    Active Blind Spot Detection primarily operates at higher speeds and is focused on detecting vehicles during driving situations rather than parking or low-speed maneuvers. Parking assistance systems may be available separately.
  9. Is Active Blind Spot Detection available in all BMW 5 Series models?
    Active Blind Spot Detection may be available as a standard or optional feature depending on the specific trim level and options chosen for your BMW 5 Series model.
  10. Can Active Blind Spot Detection detect objects other than vehicles?
    Active Blind Spot Detection is primarily designed to detect vehicles, but it may also detect larger objects that are within the system’s detection range.
  11. Does Active Blind Spot Detection replace the need for side mirrors?
    No, Active Blind Spot Detection does not replace the need for side mirrors.

Useful Links

View Full User Guide: BMW 5 Series 2020-2023 User Manual | Auto User Guide
Download Manuals: BMW Owner’s Manuals – BMW USA | BMW

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