Driving tips
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Before driving into a car wash
General information on caring for your BMW
can be found on page204.
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 page 204.
With convenient access and 7-gear
sport automatic transm ission with dual
clutch
Insert the remote control into the ignition
switch.
The engine can be switched off when the trans-
mission is in position N. Refer also to page 205.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overlo ading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. This can ultimately
result in a sudden blow-out. <
Make sure that no liquids are spilled or
leak from their containers in the cargo
bay, as this could result in damage to the
vehicle. <
When storing objects in the rear storage
shelf, do not move both seats all the way
forward while moving th em to their uppermost
position and leaning the backrests forward.
Otherwise, the seats could hit and damage the
seal on the windshield, the sun visor and the
headliner. <
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.
passengers in your ve hicle, the amount of
available cargo and lugga ge 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 tra iler will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for
transporting a trailer to determine how this
may reduce the availa ble cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
CD/DVD player and CD/DVD changer
148
5.
"Random"
CDs/DVDs with compressed audio files: the
directories and the tracks contained therein are
played back in random sequence.
Random mode is switched off if the audio
source is changed or the ignition is switched off.
Fast forward/reverse
Press and hold the button for the corre-
sponding direction.
Video playback*
Country codes
Only DVDs with the code of the home region
can be played back; also refer to the information
on your DVD.
Start playback
For your own safety, the video image is only dis-
played up to a vehicle speed of approx. 2 mph/
3 km/h and in some countries only with the parking brake set or the automatic transmission
in position P.
DVD video
1.
"CD/Multimedia"
2. "CD/DVD"
3. Select a DVD with video content.
4. "DVD menu"
5. Start the DVD via the DVD menu.
VCD/SVCD
1."CD/Multimedia"
2. "CD/DVD"
3. Select a CD with video content.
4. "Select track"
5. Select the desired track.
The CD is started.
Video menu
To open the Video menu:
1. Turn the controller during playback.
2. Press the controller when "Back" is dis-
played.
CodeRegion
1USA, Canada
2 Japan, Europe, Middle East, South
Africa
3Southeast Asia
4 Australia, Central and South America, New Zealand
5 Northwest Asia, North Africa
6China
0 All regions
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Audio files
Standard audio formats, e.g. MP3, WMA, WAV
(PCM) and AAC, and playlists in the M3U format
can be played.
Connecting via USB-audio interface
Lift up the center armrest.
1AUX-IN connection for audio playback:
TRS connector 1/8 in/3.5 mm
2 USB interface
Apple iPod/iPhone
To connect, use the BMW cable adapter for
Apple iPod/iPhone. For more information, con-
tact your BMW center or go to the Internet:
www.bmw.com
Connect the Apple iPod/iPhone with
connectors 1 and 2 using the cable adapter for
the Apple iPod/iPhone.
The Apple iPod/iPhone menu structure is sup-
ported by the USB audio interface.
USB device
To connect the device, use a flexible
adapter cable to protect the USB inter-
face and your USB device against physical
damage. <
Connect the USB device with connector 2
using the flexible adapter cable.
After the device is connected for the first time,
the information on all trac ks (e.g. artist, type of
music) and the playlists are transferred from the
USB device to the vehicle. This procedure may
take some time. The du ration depends on the
USB device and the number of tracks. During transmission, the tracks can be called up
via the file directory.
Information from up to four USB devices can be
stored in the vehicle, or a total of about 16,000
tracks.
I f a f i f t h U S B d e v i c e i s c o n n e c t e d o r i f m o r e t h a n
16,000 tracks are stored, information on exist-
ing tracks may be deleted.
Music tracks with integrated Digital
Rights Management (DRM) cannot be
played. <
Starting audio playback
If the audio device has a device name, the name
is displayed.
1."CD/Multimedia"
2. "External devices"
3. Select the symbol.
The name of the audio device may appear.
Playback begins with the first track.
When an Apple iPhone or mobile phone is con-
nected via the snap-in adapter and an audio
device is connected to the AUX-IN port at the
same time, the audio signal of the AUX-IN port
is played.
Information about the track
If information about a track has been stored, it is
displayed automatically:
> Artist
> Album title
> Number of tracks
> Track file name
Care
204
Care
Care products
Regular cleaning and care contributes signifi-
cantly to the value retention of your BMW.
BMW recommends cleaning and caring for your
vehicle with products that are approved by
BMW for this purpose.
Your BMW center will be happy to advise you on
the products and services available for cleaning
and caring for your BMW.
Original BMW CareProducts have been
material tested, labo ratory checked and
proven in the field, and offer optimal care and
protection for your vehicle. <
Do not use cleaners that contain alcohol
or solvents as these may result in
damage. <
Cleaning agents can contain substances
that are dangerous or hazardous to your
health. Therefore, follow the warning and safety
instructions on the packaging. When cleaning
inside the vehicle, always open the doors or
windows of the vehicle. In enclosed areas, pro-
vide for sufficient ventilation. Only use products
designed for cleaning vehicles. <
Exterior care
Washing the vehicle
Especially during the winter months,
ensure that the vehicle is washed more
frequently. Heavy soiling and road salt can lead
to vehicle damage. <
After washing the vehicle, apply the
brakes briefly to dry them, otherwise
water can reduce braking efficiency over the
short term and brake discs can corrode. <
Automatic car washes
Preference should be given to cloth car washes.
Do not use high-pressure car washes,
otherwise water may drip into the vehicle
around the windows. <
Before driving into a car wash, ensure that it is
suitable for your BMW. Check the following:
> Dimensions of your vehicle, refer to
page 221.
> If necessary: fold in the exterior mirrors,
refer to page 45.
> Maximum permissible tire width.
Avoid car washes with guide rail heights
over 4 in/10 cm, otherwise there is danger
of damaging chassis parts. <
Preparations before driv ing into an automatic
car wash:
> Unscrew the rod antenna
*
>Deactivate the rain sensor* to avoid unin-
tentional activation of the wipers.
> Remove additional attachments, e.g.
spoiler or telephone an tennas, if there is a
possibility that they could be damaged.
Automatic transmission
Before driving into an automatic car wash, per-
form the following steps to ensure that the vehi-
cle can roll:
1. Insert the remote cont rol, even with conve-
nient access, into the ignition lock.
2. Move the selector lever to position N.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Switch off the engine.
5. Leave the remote control in the ignition lock
so that the vehicle can roll.
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7-gear sport automatic transmission
with dual clutch
Before driving into an automatic car wash, per-
form the following steps to ensure that the vehi-
cle can roll:
1. Insert the remote control, even with conve-
nient access, into the ignition lock.
2. Engage transmission position N.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Switch off the engine.
5. Leave the remote control in the ignition lock
so that the vehicle can roll.
Transmission position P is engaged:
> Automatically after approx. 30 minutes
> When you take the remo te control out of the
ignition lock
Steam jets / high -pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure
washers, ensure that you maintain suffi-
cient clearance to the vehicle and do not exceed
a temperature of 60°C.
Insufficient clearance or excessive pressure or
temperature can lead to component damage or
water penetration. Follow the operating instruc-
tions of the high-pressure washer. <
When using high-pressure washers, do
not spray against the seals of the retract-
able hardtop, the sensor s and the cameras, e.g.
of the Park Distance Control or Rear View Cam-
era, for an extended period and maintain a dis-
tance of at least 12 in/30 cm. <
Manual car wash
When washing the vehicle by hand, use large
quantities of water and car shampoo if neces-
sary. Clean the vehicle with a sponge or wash-
ing brush, applying light pressure only.
Before cleaning the windshield, deacti-
vate the rain sensor or switch off the igni-
tion to prevent unintent ional activation of the
wipers. <
Observe local regulations pertaining to
washing vehicles by hand. <
Headlamps
Do not rub them dry and do not use abrasive or
corrosive cleaning agents.
Remove contamination, such as insects, by
soaking with shampoo or insect remover and
then rinsing with plenty of water.
Thaw ice with a windshield de-icer and do not
use an ice scraper.
Windows
Clean the inside and outside surfaces of the
windows and the mirrors with window cleaner.
Do not clean the mirrors with cleaners
containing quartz. <
Retractable hardtop
Proceed as you would in a normal car wash.
When you open a we t hardtop, water
drops may run into the cargo bay. If nec-
essary, remove items from the cargo bay
beforehand to avoid water stains or soiling. <
Paintwork care
Regular care contributes to value retention and
protects the paintwork against the long-term
effects of damaging substances.
Region-specific environmental influences can
damage the vehicle paintwork. Therefore, it is
important to adapt the frequency and scope of
car care accordingly.
Immediately remove aggressive materials such
as spilled fuel, oil, grease, brake fluid, tree sap or
bird droppings to prevent damage to the
paintwork.
Repairing paintwork damage
Immediately repair scratches or similar
damage, such as that caused by stones
hitting the vehicle, wher e necessary to prevent
rusting. <
BMW recommends having paintwork damage
repaired by a profession al paint repair work-
shop according to BMW specifications using
original BMW paint materials.
Giving and receiving assistance
216
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page50, otherwise the low-beam
headlamps, tail lamps, turn signal indicators and
windshield wipers may be unavailable.
If the electrical system fails, do not tow-start or
tow the vehicle. The electrical steering wheel
lock cannot be released and the vehicle cannot
be steered. Jump-starting, refer to page 214.
Power steering assistance is not available when
the engine is not running. Thus, braking and
steering will requir e increased effort.<
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Changing selector leve r positions, refer to
page 54.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 31 mph
or 50 km/h and a towing distance of
31 miles/50 km, otherwise the automatic trans-
mission may be damaged. <
7-gear sport automatic transmission
with dual clutch
Ensure that transmission lock P is not
engaged as the rear wheels will otherwise
be blocked.
When using the car wash function, refer to
page 205, note that the parking lock P is
engaged automatically after approx. 30 min-
utes, blocking the rear wheels.
If an electrical malfunction occurs or if towing
takes longer than approx. 20 minutes, manually
release the parking lock, refer to page 58.<
Do not exceed a towing speed of 31 mph
or 50 km/h and a towing distance of
31 miles/50 km, otherwise the 7-gear sport
automatic transmission may be damaged. <
Towing methods
Do not lift the vehicle by a tow fitting or
body and chassis parts, otherwise dam-
age may result. <
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 la teral forces if it is
attached offset.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only,
as attaching it to othe r 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 pa rts of the vehicle could
result in damage. <
With a tow truck
Manual and automatic transmission:
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7-gear sport automatic transmission with dual
clutch:
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
Tow-starting
Avoid tow-starting the vehicle whenever possi-
ble; instead, jump-start the engine, refer to
page214. Vehicles with a catalytic converter
should only be tow-st arted when the engine
is cold.
Vehicles with an automatic transmission or 7-
gear sport automatic transmission with dual
clutch cannot be tow-started at all.
1. Switch on hazard warning flashers, comply
with local regulations.
2. Switch on the ignition, refer to page 50.
3. Shift into 3rd gear.
4. Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
depressed and slowly release the clutch.
After the engine starts, immediately
depress the clutch completely again.
5. Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6. Have the vehi cle checked.
Technical data
222
Weights
Capacities
Z4 sDrive30iZ4 sDrive35i
Approved gross weight
> with manual transmission lbs/kg 3,924/1,7804,134/1,875
> with automatic transmission lbs/kg 3,990/1,8104,178/1,895
Load lbs/kg562/255 562/255
Approved front axle load lbs/kg 1,808/8201,918/870
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 2,227/1,0102,271/1,030
Cargo bay capacity cu ft/l 6.4 - 10.9/180 - 310 6.4 - 10.9/180 - 310
Notes
Fuel tank US gal/liters approx. 15.5/55 Fuel grade:
page 189
including reserve of US gal/liters approx. 2.1/8.0
Window washer system For more details:
page61
including headlamp washers US qt/liters approx. 6.3/6.0