BMW 5 - Manual (Page 27)

BMW
Media
Information
11/2009
Page 27
Lightweight brake system: free of fading, precise and comfortable.
Reliable brakes free of fading, offering comfortable and convenient control,
and extremely precise dosage help to further enhance the dynamic driving
qualities of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan.
The new BMW 5 Series comes with lightweight brakes in swing-calliper
technology and with inner-vented brake discs, where the friction ring is
riveted on to the aluminium cover. This principle patented by BMW and
now also used by other car makers, together with the aluminium callipers
in frame design on the front axle, serves to significantly reduce unsprung
masses.
Depending on the engine, the brake discs measure up to 374 millimetres
or 14.7” in diameter. Together with these large brakes, the wheels fitted as
standard are also larger than on the previous model. All versions of the sedan
come on light-alloy wheels measuring 18 inches on the new BMW 550i
and 17 inches on all other models. The tyre dimensions, in turn, are
245/45 R 18 on the top model and 225/55 R 17 on the other cars.
The brake system is supported by DSC Dynamic Stability Control with a
wide range of functions. Over and above its stabilising effect, DSC thus
incorporates further functions for safe and dynamic motoring at all times.
These include the ABS anti-lock brake system, ASC Automatic Stability
Control, Trailer Stability Control, CBC Cornering Brake Control as well
as DBC Dynamic Brake Control automatically maximising brake pressure
on the two axles as soon as the system “sees” that the driver wishes to
brake hard. Under extremely high brake temperatures, an appropriate
increase in brake pressure prevents any fading, while regular Dry Braking
optimises brake performance in the wet and the Brake Standby function
builds up moderate brake pressure whenever the driver takes his foot off the
brake pedal abruptly. And last but not least, the Start-Off Assistant supports
the driver when setting off on a gradient.
Electromechanical parking brake and Auto-Hold function.
The electromechanical parking brake on the new BMW 5 Series Sedan
is activated by pulling the appropriate button on the centre console in one
simple process. To release the parking brake, all the driver then has to do
is press the same button while at the same time pressing down the brake
pedal itself. This avoids unintended release of the parking brake with the
ignition switched off. And while driving, finally, the driver is able to activate
an ABS-controlled emergency braking function by pulling the parking brake
button longer than usual.