Hill Descent Control (HDC) on 525xi, 530xi

Operating Principle

HDC is a downhill speed control system that reduces speed on steep descents and thus helps you maintain better control of the vehicle in these difficult conditions. Without any intervention on your part, the vehicle begins to move at a speed slightly higher than walking pace.

HDC can be switched on at speeds up to 35 km/h. When descending a hill, the speed is automatically reduced to approx. 12 km/h and maintained at this level.

You can vary this speed between 5 km/h and 25 km/h by accelerating or braking.

You can also select a speed within the specified range using the cruise control lever.

Switching on HDC

To activate the HDC system, you can use:

► the programmable buttons on the steering wheel,
► or iDrive.

iDrive operating principles

1. Open the home screen.
2. Press the controller to go to the menu.
3. Select "Vehicle settings" and press the controller.
4. Select "HDC" and press the controller.

5. Select "HDC on" and press the controller.

The HDC indicator lamp lights up in the instrument cluster.

When the vehicle brakes automatically, a message is shown on the Control Display for 20 seconds.

Switching HDC Off

Switch off the system using the programmable button on the steering wheel or with iDrive. The HDC indicator lamp goes out.

The HDC system also switches off when the speed exceeds 60 km/h and with the ignition (after 10 seconds).

Using the HDC system

With a manual transmission, use HDC only in low forward gears and in reverse gear.

With an automatic transmission, HDC can be used in any position of the selector lever.

Displays in the instrument cluster

1 Set speed display
2 HDC indicator lamp

Malfunctions

When the system is switched on, the HDC indicator lamp does not light up or goes out: due to overheating of the brakes, the HDC system is temporarily unavailable.