Things to remember when driving
104
Things to remember when driving
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to
each other. To ensure that your vehicle contin-
ues to provide optimized economy of operation
throughout an extended service life, we request
that you devote careful attention to the follow-
ing section.
Do not use the driving programs 5 and 6, refer
to Drivelogic on page57, during break-in.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at changing engine and driving speeds,
however do not exceed 5,500 rpm or 105 mph/
170 km/h.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kick-down mode during these
initial miles.
From 1,200 miles/2,000 km to
3,000 miles/5,000 km
The engine and driving speed can gradually be
increased up to a continuous vehicle speed of
135 mph/220 km/h. Only drive at top speed
briefly, e.g. when passing.
Transmission
The function of the transmission is only at its
optimized level after driving a distance of
approx. 300 miles/500 km. Do not exceed
engine speeds of 5,500 rpm during this time.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in
period. Therefore, drive reservedly during the
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized
contact and wear patterns between brake pads
and rotors. Drive in a reserved manner during
this break-in period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch is only at its opti-
mized level after a distance driven of approx.
300 miles/500 km.
Following part replacement
Observe the break-in instructions again if com-
ponents mentioned above must be replaced
after subsequent driving operation.
General driving notes
Closing luggage compartment lid
Operate the vehicle only when the lug-
gage compartment lid is completely
closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes could enter
the interior of the vehicle.<
If special circumstances should make it abso-
lutely necessary to operate the vehicle with the
luggage compartment lid open:
1.Close all windows and the glass sunroof.
2.Increase the air volume of the automatic cli-
mate control to a high level, refer to
page89.
Hot exhaust system
As in all vehicles, extremely high temper-
atures are generated on the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed
adjacent to it, and never apply undercoating to
them. When driving, standing at idle and while
parking take care to avoid possible contact
between the hot exhaust system and any highly
flammable materials such as hay, leaves, grass,
etc. Such contact could lead to a fire, and with it
Things to remember when driving
106
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. In situations that require it, it is best to
brake with full force. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
The pulsing of he brake pedal indicates that the
ABS is controlling braking.
In certain braking situations the perforated
brake rotors can cause operating noises which,
however, have not effect on the performance
and operating safety of the brake system.
Do not drive with your foot resting on the
brake pedal. Even light but consistent
pedal pressure can lead to high temperatures,
brake wear and possibly even brake failure.<
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal
every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure
that full braking efficiency will then be available
when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent pressure on the brake pedal
can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and
possibly even brake failure.<
Do not drive in idle or with the engine
switched off, otherwise there will be no
engine braking action or support of the braking
force and steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area of movement
of the pedals and impair their operation.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
When vehicle is parked
Condensation forms in the air conditioner sys-
tem during operation, and then exits under the
vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
Fold in the exterior mirrors, refer to page46,
otherwise they could be damaged due to the
width of the vehicle.
General information on the care and mainte-
nance of your BMW is contained in the Caring
for your vehicle brochure.
Ground clearance
Ensure that sufficient ground clearance
is available. To drive down curbs, select
the "Sport" program of the EDC Electronic
Damping Control, refer to page76, to keep the
ground clearance as uniform as possible.
Otherwise the vehicle may be damaged.<
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result
can assume the form of a sudden blow-out.<
Reference 211
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Audio132
– controls132
– switching on/off132
– tone control133
– volume133
"Audio", refer to Tone
control133
"Audio Aux"132,151
– on external audio device151
Audio device, external96
Automatic
– air distribution88
– air volume88
– headlamp control83
– service notification168
– steering wheel adjustment,
refer to Easy entry/exit47
– storing stations137
Automatically switching
between high beams and
low beams, refer to High-
beam assistant84
Automatic car washes106
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Automatic climate control87
– automatic air distribution88
– switching off90
Automatic closing of doors,
refer to Automatic soft
closing33
Automatic curb monitor46
Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp
control83
– refer to Daytime running
lamps84
– refer to High-beam
assistant84
– refer to Interior lamps86
– refer to Pathway lighting83
Automatic low-beam function,
refer to High-beam
assistant84
"Automatic programs"88
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC90
Automatic soft closing33
Automatic station search137"Automatic ventilation"91
AUTO program for automatic
climate control88
"Autostore" on the
radio136,138
AUX-In
– connection96
– refer to External audio
device151
Average fuel consumption64
– setting the units72
Average speed, refer to
Computer63
"Avoid ferries" for navigation
system123
"Avoid highways" for
navigation system123
Avoiding freeways for
navigation122
Avoiding unintentional
alarms35
"Avoid tollroads" for
navigation system123
Axle loads, refer to
Weights204
"A - Z"160
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support41
Backrests, refer to Seats40
Backrest width41
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
Backup lamps, replacing
bulbs189
"Balance", refer to Tone
control134
Balance, refer to Tone
control134
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
kit196
Bass, refer to Tone
control133
"Bass", tone control134
Battery, refer to Vehicle
battery195
– jump starting197Battery disposal
– remote control with comfort
access37
– vehicle battery195
Battery replacement, remote
control with comfort
access37
Being towed198
Belts, refer to Safety belts44
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders96
Blower, refer to Air volume89
"BMW Assist"169
BMW Assist167
– enabling167
– services offered168
"BMW Contact"162
"BMW Contact
Numbers"162
BMW homepage4
BMW maintenance
system186
"BMW Service"169
"BMW Service settings"168
BMW website4
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders96
Brake Assistant, refer to DBC
Dynamic Brake Control74
Brake fluid185
– warning lamp185
Brake force display78
Brake lamps
– brake force display78
– replacing bulbs189
Brake pads185
– breaking-in104
Brake rotors106
Brakes
– ABS Antilock Brake
System74
– brake fluid
185
– brake force display78
– brake pads185
– breaking-in104
– handbrake55
– warning lamps13