Revolutionary Technique: How to Use Cruise Control BMW 4 Series
What To Know
- It uses sensors to detect the distance and speed of the car in front, automatically braking and accelerating to maintain a pre-set gap.
- ACC uses sensors to detect the distance and speed of the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting your speed to maintain a safe distance.
- Once ACC is engaged, use the steering wheel buttons or the infotainment system to adjust the distance you want to maintain from the vehicle ahead.
Cruising down the highway with your BMW 4 Series can be an incredibly enjoyable experience. But, did you know that you can make those long drives even more effortless with the help of cruise control? This handy feature takes the strain off your right foot, allowing you to relax and focus on the road ahead. But, how to use cruise control BMW 4 Series may seem confusing at first. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps, helping you master this feature and enjoy a smoother, more comfortable driving experience.
Understanding Cruise Control
Cruise control is a technology designed to maintain a constant speed without the need for constant throttle input. It’s a fantastic feature for highway driving, reducing fatigue and improving fuel efficiency. Your BMW 4 Series likely comes equipped with two types of cruise control:
- Traditional Cruise Control: This system allows you to set a desired speed, and the car will maintain it. You’ll need to manually adjust the speed if necessary.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): This advanced system goes a step further by automatically adjusting your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. It uses sensors to detect the distance and speed of the car in front, automatically braking and accelerating to maintain a pre-set gap.
Locating the Cruise Control Buttons
Before you can start using cruise control, you need to know where the buttons are located. The cruise control buttons are typically found on the steering wheel of your BMW 4 Series. You’ll usually find them on the left side of the steering wheel, near the turn signal stalk.
- Set/Resume: This button is used to set the desired speed and resume cruise control after it has been disengaged.
- Coast/Cancel: This button is used to disengage cruise control.
- Increase/Decrease Speed: These buttons are used to adjust the set speed while cruise control is engaged.
Enabling Cruise Control
Now that you know where the buttons are, let’s get started:
1. Engage Cruise Control: With your BMW 4 Series in motion and at a desired speed, press the **Set/Resume** button. The cruise control light on your dashboard should illuminate, indicating that cruise control is engaged.
2. Setting the Speed: Once cruise control is engaged, use the **Increase/Decrease Speed** buttons to adjust the desired speed. The set speed will be displayed on your dashboard.
3. Maintaining Speed: Once you’ve set your desired speed, your BMW 4 Series will automatically maintain it. You can take your foot off the accelerator, and the car will continue driving at the set speed.
Adjusting Cruise Control
While cruising, you may need to adjust your speed. Here’s how to do it:
- Increasing Speed: Briefly press the **Increase Speed** button to increase the set speed. The car will accelerate to the new speed.
- Decreasing Speed: Briefly press the **Decrease Speed** button to decrease the set speed. The car will decelerate to the new speed.
- Disengaging Cruise Control: To disengage cruise control, press the **Coast/Cancel** button. You can also lightly press the brake pedal, which will disengage cruise control and bring the car to a stop.
Using Adaptive Cruise Control
If your BMW 4 Series is equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), you can enjoy an even more relaxed driving experience. ACC uses sensors to detect the distance and speed of the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting your speed to maintain a safe distance.
1. Enable ACC: Engage cruise control as you would with traditional cruise control. You’ll likely have a separate button or setting for ACC.
2. Adjusting Distance: Once ACC is engaged, use the steering wheel buttons or the infotainment system to adjust the distance you want to maintain from the vehicle ahead.
3. Automatic Speed Adjustment: ACC will automatically adjust your speed to maintain the set distance from the vehicle ahead. It will decelerate if the car in front slows down and accelerate if the car in front speeds up.
Tips for Using Cruise Control
Here are some tips to make your cruise control experience even smoother:
- Check the Road Ahead: Always be aware of your surroundings and the road ahead. Cruise control is a helpful tool, but it’s not a replacement for your own judgment.
- Be Prepared to Take Over: Be ready to disengage cruise control at any time, especially in situations like heavy traffic or bad weather.
- Use Cruise Control Responsibly: Avoid using cruise control in situations where you need to be particularly alert, such as in heavy traffic or on winding roads.
The Power of Cruise Control: A Summary
Using cruise control in your BMW 4 Series can significantly improve your driving experience. It reduces fatigue, improves fuel efficiency, and makes long drives more enjoyable. By understanding the different types of cruise control and following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently use this feature to enhance your driving experience.
Taking Control: Beyond Cruise Control
Cruise control is just one of many advanced features designed to make driving a BMW 4 Series more comfortable and enjoyable. Explore other features like lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and parking assist to further enhance your driving experience.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Can I use cruise control in all driving conditions?
A: While cruise control can be helpful in many situations, it’s not recommended for use in all conditions. Avoid using cruise control in heavy traffic, bad weather, or on winding roads.
Q: What happens if I press the brake while cruise control is engaged?
A: Pressing the brake pedal will disengage cruise control and bring the car to a stop.
Q: Can I use cruise control on inclines or declines?
A: Yes, cruise control can be used on inclines and declines. However, the car may need to adjust its speed to maintain the set speed, depending on the incline or decline.
Q: What happens if the car in front of me stops suddenly while using ACC?
A: ACC will automatically brake to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. If the car in front of you stops suddenly, ACC will bring your car to a stop as well.