Driving tips
123Reference
At a glance
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Mobility
vehicle electronics and mobile communication
device can influence one another. In addition,
there is no assurance that the radiation which
results from transmission will be dissipated
from the vehicle interior.<
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This situation, known as hydroplaning,
means that the tire can completely lose contact
with the road surface, so that neither the car can
be steered nor the brake be properly applied.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declin-
ing tread depth on the tires, refer also to Mini-
mum tread depth on page211.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<
Use the parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with
the clutch; use the parking brake. Other-
wise greater clutch wear will result.<
For more information about the drive-off assis-
tant, refer to page89.
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. Applying the brakes fully is the most
effective way of braking in situations in which
this is necessary. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that
ABS is in its active mode.
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 brake pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Down-
shifting in manual mode of the automatic trans-
mission, refer to page60.
Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in idle or with the
engine switched off; otherwise, engine braking
action will not be present or there will be no
power assistance to the brakes or steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
pedals, otherwise pedal function could be
impaired.<
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.
Things to remember when driving
124
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms while the automatic cli-
mate control is in operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water
under the vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
For general information about taking care of
your BMW, refer to the Caring for your vehicle
brochure.
Sports Wagon: rear window wiper
Driving through an automatic car wash can
result in damage to the rear window wiper. If
necessary, ask the operator of the car wash
about protective measures you should take.
With convenient access and automatic
transmission
Insert the remote control into the ignition
switch.
The engine can be switched off when the selec-
tor lever is in position N. Refer also to page38.
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.<
Determining loading limit
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or YYY lbs. Otherwise, overloading
can result in damage to the vehicle and
unstable driving conditions.<
2.Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kilograms or YYY
pounds.
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the YYY amount equals
1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150-lb. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs:
1,400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 lbs.
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of
the load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for
transporting a trailer to determine how this
may reduce the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
Giving and receiving assistance
232 the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise the tow
fitting and the vehicle could be damaged.<
Access to screw thread
Rectangular cover panel in bumper:
Press on the upper edges of the cover panel.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page57, otherwise the low-beam
headlamps, tail lamps, turn signal indicators and
windshield wipers may be unavailable. If the
electrical system fails, do not attempt to tow-
start or tow away the car. The electric steering
wheel lock cannot be disengaged and the car is
not steerable. Jump starting, refer to page230.
Power steering assistance is not available when
the engine is not running. Thus, braking and
steering will require increased effort.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers, depend-
ing on local regulations.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in idle position.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Changing selector lever positions, refer to
page60.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph
or 70 km/h and a towing distance of
90 miles/150 km, otherwise the automatic
transmission may be damaged.<
Towing methods
In come countries, it is illegal to tow your vehicle
with a tow bar or tow rope on public highways.
Please familiarize yourself with the relevant
towing regulations for the country in which you
are driving.
With a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the towed vehicle, otherwise it may
be impossible to maintain control.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an angle,
please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
>The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is
attached offset.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only,
as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle
could result in damage.<
With a tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attach the tow rope to the tow fittings only, as
attaching it to other parts of the vehicle could
result in damage.<
Reference 239
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Weights
Sedan
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
323i (Canada)328i328xi
Curb weight
>with manual transmission lbs/kg 3,274/1,485 3,340/1,515 3,582/1,625
>with automatic transmission lbs/kg 3,329/1,510 3,406/1,545 3,627/1,645
Approved gross weight
>with manual transmission lbs/kg 4,332/1,965 4,398/1,995 4,641/2,105
>with automatic transmission lbs/kg 4,387/1,990 4,464/2,025 4,685/2,125
Load lbs/kg 1,058/480 1,058/480 1,058/480
Approved front axle load lbs/kg 2,083/945 2,116/960 2,293/1,040
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 2,403/1,090 2,458/1,115 2,502/1,135
Approved roof load capacity lbs/kg 165/75 165/75 165/75
Cargo bay capacity cu ft/l 16.2/460 16.2/460 16.2/460
335i
Curb weight
>with manual transmission lbs/kg 3,593/1,630
>with automatic transmission lbs/kg 3,605/1,635
Approved gross weight
>with manual transmission lbs/kg 4,652/2,110
>with automatic transmission lbs/kg 4,663/2,115
Load lbs/kg 1,058/480
Approved front axle load lbs/kg 2,238/1,015
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 2,531/1,145
Approved roof load capacity lbs/kg 165/75
Cargo bay capacity cu ft/l 15.9/450
Technical data
240
Sports Wagon
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
328i328xi
Curb weight
>with manual transmission lbs/kg 3,527/1,600 3,770/1,710
>with automatic transmission lbs/kg 3,593/1,630 3,814/1,730
Approved gross weight
>with manual transmission lbs/kg 4,630/2,100 4,872/2,210
>with automatic transmission lbs/kg 4,696/2,130 4,916/2,230
Load lbs/kg 1,102/500 1,102/500
Approved front axle load lbs/kg 2,127/965 2,326/1,055
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 2,646/1,200 2,646/1,200
Approved roof load capacity lbs/kg 165/75 165/75
Cargo bay capacity cu ft/l 16.2/460 - 48.9/1,385 16.2/460 - 48.9/1,385
Reference 247
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Audio156
– controls156
– switching on/off156
– tone control157
– volume157
"Audio", refer to Tone
control157
Audio device, external111
"Auto. headlamps"98
Automatic
– air distribution103
– air flow rate103
– cruise control64,66
– headlamp control97
– service notification192
– storing of stations161
Automatic climate control101
– automatic air
distribution103
– settings via iDrive102
Automatic curb monitor50
"Automatic programs" with
automatic climate
control103
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC103
Automatic station search161
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic59
– interlock59,60
– overriding selector lever
lock61
– shiftlock, refer to Changing
selector lever position60
– sport program60
– towing231
– tow-starting231
"Automatic ventilation"105
AUTO program for automatic
climate control103
"Autostore"
– on the radio162
"AUX"156,173
"AUX" for external audio
device173
AUX-IN
– port111
AUX-In, refer to External audio
device173Average fuel consumption74
– setting the units77
Average speed74
"Avoid ferries" in
navigation142
"Avoid highways" in
navigation141
Avoid highways in
navigation141
Avoiding unintentional
alarms36
"Avoid tollroads" in
navigation142
Axle loads, refer to
Weights239
"A - Z"182
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support46
Backrests, refer to Seat
adjustment45
Backrest width adjustment46
Back seats
– refer to Rear seats47
Backup lamps
– replacing bulbs225,226
Backup lamps, refer to Tail
lamps224
Balance, tone control157
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
pouch229
Bar, refer to Towing
methods232
Bass, tone control157
Bass sounds, refer to Tone
control157
Bass sounds, refer to Treble
and bass157
Battery227
– charging227
– disposal38,227
– jump starting230
– remote control28
– temporary power failure227
Battery renewal
– remote control38
– remote control for vehicle38Being towed232
Belts, refer to Safety belts49
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts49
Beverage holders, refer to
Cup holders111
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate103
Bluetooth, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
"BMW Assist"191,192,193
BMW Assist
– activating195
– Concierge service193
– contacting BMW Customer
Relations193
– Roadside Assistance191
– services offered190
– TeleService192
"BMW Contact"184
"BMW Contact
Numbers"184
BMW Homepage4
BMW Maintenance
System219
"BMW
Services"194
,195,196
BMW webpage4
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders111
Bracket for telephone or
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter in
the center armrest storage
compartment110
Brake assist, refer to Dynamic
Brake Control DBC87
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements77
Brake Force Display94
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs225,226
– two-stage94
Brake pads122
– breaking in122
Brake rotors123
– brakes122
– breaking in122
Reference 251
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Distance control, refer to
Active cruise control66
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements77
"Distance to dest."75
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control86
Door key, refer to Remote
control with integrated
key28
Door lock31
"Door locks"29,31,32,78
Doors, emergency
operation31
DOT Quality Grades210
Draft-free ventilation104
Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders111
Drive-off assistance, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC87
Drive-off assistant89
Driving around a traffic
jam150
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams97
Driving notes122
Driving off on hills, refer to
Drive-off assistant89
Driving route, refer to
Displaying route144
Driving stability control
systems87
Driving through water123
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes122
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function104
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control87
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control88
– indicator/warning lamp88
DVD for navigation130
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC87"Dynamic route" in
navigation142
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC
– indicator/warning lamp88
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC
– indicator/warning lamp88
E
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution87
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on the CD player156
Electric
– seat adjustment45
Electrical malfunction
– door lock31
– driver's door31
– fuel filler door200
– glass sunroof40
– luggage compartment lid/
tailgate33
– panorama glass roof42
Electric seat adjustment45
Electric steering wheel
lock57
– with convenient access37
Electronic brake-force
distribution EBV87
Electronic oil level check215
Emergency actuation,
automatic transmission,
refer to Overriding selector
lever lock61
Emergency call229
Emergency operation
– fuel filler door, manual
release200
Emergency operation, refer to
Closing manually
– glass sunroof40
– panorama glass roof42
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock31Emergency release
– luggage compartment lid
from inside34
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance229
Emissions test, refer to
Service requirements77
"Enable services"196
"End call"182
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control73
Energy Control73
Engine
– breaking in122
– data236
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature73
– speed236
– starting58
– starting, convenient
access36
– switching off58
Engine compartment215
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant217
Engine oil
– adding217
– BMW Maintenance
System219
– capacity
241
– checking level215
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements77
"Engine oil level"216
Engine output, refer to Engine
data236
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data236
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine58
"Enter address"132
Entering a destination
country132
Entering a house number or
intersection133
Entering a street133
Entering destination132
Entering the address134
Everything from A - Z
252 Entering the intersection133
"Entertainment"156
Entry lamps, refer to Interior
lamps100
Environmentally friendly
driving, refer to Energy
Control73
"Equalizer", refer to Tone
control158
Equalizer, refer to Tone
control158
Error messages, refer to
Check Control82
"ESN"164
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control87
Event data recorders220
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system122
Expanding the cargo bay115
Exterior mirrors50
– adjusting50
– automatic dimming
feature51
– automatic heating50
– folding in and out50
External audio
device111,173
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away231
– for tying down loads125
F
Fader, tone control157
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control82
Failure of an electrical
consumer227
False alarm
– avoiding unintentional
alarm36
– switching off an alarm36
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts49Fastest route for
navigation141
Fast forward
– CD changer170
– CD player170
"Fast route" in navigation141
Filter
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control105
Fine wood, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
First aid pouch229
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock57
Flashlight, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight110
Flash when locking/
unlocking30
Flat
– Run-Flat Tires212
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM91
Flat tire
– Tire Pressure Monitor91
Flat Tire Monitor FTM90
– indicating a flat tire91
– indicator/warning lamp91
– initializing the system90
– malfunction91
– snow chains90,213
– system limits90
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition211
Floor mats, carpets, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Fluid reservoir, refer to
Washer fluid reservoir64
"FM", waveband156,160
FM, waveband160
Fog lamps99
– indicator lamp13,99
Folding in the mirrors, before
driving into a car wash50
Folding rear seat backrest115
Folding up the floor panel117
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely123Footwell lamps, refer to
Interior lamps100
For your own safety5
Four-wheel drive, refer to
xDrive88
Front airbags95
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor90
Fuel201
– average consumption74
– display73
– high-quality brands201
– quality201
– specifications201
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities241
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge73
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge73
Fuel-efficient driving, refer to
Energy Control73
Fuel filler door200
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction200
Fuses227
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control107
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel201
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge73
Gasoline engine, checking oil
level215
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic59
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic60
– manual transmission59
Gearshifts
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic60
– manual transmission59