
Things to remember when driving
124
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.
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 4,500 rpm or 100 mph/
160 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
The engine and vehicle speed can gradually be 
increased.
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. During this break-in period, 
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
Observe the break-in instructions again if com-
ponents mentioned above must be replaced 
after subsequent driving operation.
Saving fuel
The fuel consumption of your vehicle depends 
on various factors. Through a few simple steps, 
your driving style, and regular maintenance, you 
can have a positive influence on your fuel con-
sumption and environmental impact.
Removing unnecessary cargo
Additional weight increases fuel consumption.
Removing add-on parts after use
Remove unneeded auxiliary mirrors, roof or rear 
luggage racks after use. Add-on parts attached 
to the vehicle impede the aerodynamics and 
increase the fuel consumption.
Closing windows and glass sunroof
An open glass sunroof or open windows like-
wise increase the drag coefficient and therefore 
the fuel consumption.
Checking tire inflation pressures 
regularly
Check and correct the tire inflation pressure as 
needed at least twice a month and before long 
trips.
An insufficient tire inflation pressure increases 
the rolling resistance and thus increases the 
fuel consumption and tire wear.
Driving off immediately
Do not allow the engine to warm up by leaving it 
running while the vehicle remains stationary. 
Instead, begin to drive at a moderate engine 
speed. This is the fastest way for the cold 
engine to reach its operating temperature. 

Things to remember when driving
126 the road surface, ultimately undermining your 
ability to steer and brake the vehicle.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases as the tread 
depth of the tires decreases, refer also to Mini-
mum tire tread on page208.
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the road if it 
is deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only at 
walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the vehi-
cle's engine, the electrical systems and the 
transmission may be damaged.<
Using parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle in 
place for a long time by riding the clutch; 
use the parking brake. Otherwise greater clutch 
wear will result.<
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.
Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with 
sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that 
ABS is in its active mode.
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 can 
lead to high temperatures, brake wear and pos-
sibly even brake failure.<
The braking effect of the engine can be further 
increased by downshifting, if necessary all the 
way down into first gear. This strategy helps 
you avoid placing excessive loads on the brake 
system. For information on downshifting in the 
manual mode of the automatic transmission, 
refer to page61.
Do not drive with the clutch depressed, in 
idle or with the engine switched off, other-
wise 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.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their 
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over- 

Mobility
 217Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Care
Car-care products
Regular cleaning and care make a significant 
contribution to retaining your BMW's value.
For the cleaning and care of your vehicle, BMW 
recommends using only products that BMW 
has approved for this purpose.
Your BMW center will be glad to advise you 
about products and services for the cleaning 
and care of your BMW.
Genuine BMW Care Products are materi-
als tested, laboratory tested, and tested in 
actual use. They offer optimum care and pro-
tection for your vehicle.<
Do not use cleaners that contain alcohol 
or solvents; they can damage your vehi-
cle.<
Cleaning agents can contain substances 
that are dangerous or pose health risks. 
You should therefore heed the warnings and 
hazard indications on the packaging. Open the 
doors or windows on your vehicle whenever 
cleaning the interior. Make sure there is suffi-
cient ventilation in enclosed spaces. Use only 
products that are formulated for vehicle clean-
ing.<
Exterior care
Washing your vehicle
In the winter months, it is especially 
important to ensure that the vehicle is 
washed on a regular basis. Otherwise, signifi-
cant soiling and road salt can cause damage to 
the vehicle.<
After washing the vehicle, apply the 
brakes briefly to dry them. Failure to do so 
may lead to a reduction in braking efficiency and 
also to corrosion of the brake rotors.<
Car washes
Give preference to cloth car washes.Before driving into the car wash, make sure that 
it is suitable for your BMW. Pay attention to the 
following points:
>Dimensions of your vehicle, refer to 
page239.
>If necessary, fold in the outside rearview 
mirrors, refer to page51.
>Maximum permissible tire width.
Avoid car washes with rail heights over 
4in/10cm, otherwise there is danger of 
damaging chassis parts.<
Preparations for driving into the car wash:
>Deactivate rain sensor to prevent unwanted 
wiper activation.
>Deactivate rear window wiper
* and protect 
it from damage. Take appropriate protec-
tive measures; inquiring with the car wash 
operator as needed.
>Remove additional add-on parts, e.g., spoil-
ers or phone antennas, if they could be 
damaged.
Automatic transmission
Before driving into the car wash, make sure the 
vehicle is able to roll by making sure to:
1.Insert the remote control into the ignition 
lock, even with Comfort Access.
2.Shift into 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.
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 1407/606. 
Insufficient distance or excessive pressure or 
temperature can damage parts of the vehicle or 
can result in water penetration. Follow the oper- 

Reference 251
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Automatic
– air distribution106
– air volume106
– cruise control66
– garage door opener110
– headlamp control100
– recirculated-air control 
AUC107
– steering wheel 
adjustment45
– tailgate operation34
Automatic climate control105
– automatic air 
distribution106
– parked car ventilation109
– settings via iDrive108
– switching on and off108
– ventilation in rear108
Automatic closing of doors, 
refer to Automatic soft 
closing31
Automatic curb monitor51
Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp 
control100
– refer to Daytime running 
lamps101
– refer to Interior lamps104
– refer to Pathway lighting101
– refer to Welcome lamps100
Automatic lights
– refer to High-beam 
Assistant102
Automatic low beams, refer to 
High-beam Assistant102
Automatic luggage 
compartment roller cover, 
Sports Wagon117
Automatic Service 
Request196
Automatic soft closing31
Automatic speed reduction for 
descents, refer to HDC Hill 
Descent Control86Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic59
– interlock60
– kick down60
– manually unlocking and 
locking transmission lock61
– shiftlock60
– towing234
– tow-starting235
– with Comfort Access37
AUTO program for automatic 
climate control106
AUX-IN port172
Available services196
Average fuel consumption75
– setting units76
Average speed, refer to 
Computer75
Avoiding freeways for 
navigation142
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms36
Axle loads, refer to 
Weights241
B
Backrest contour, refer to 
Lumbar support45
Backrests, refer to Seats44
Backrest width adjustment44
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
Backup lamps, replacing 
bulbs224
Band-aids, refer to First aid 
kit232
Bass, refer to Tone 
control152
Battery, refer to Vehicle 
battery229
– jump starting232
Battery replacement
– remote control for Comfort 
Access38
BC button, refer to 
Computer75
Being towed234
Belts, refer to Safety belts48Beverage holder, refer to 
Cupholders114
Blower, refer to Air 
volume107
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating180
BMW
– Car Shampoo219
BMW Assist, 
activating194,196
BMW Assist192
BMW homepage4
BMW maintenance 
system215
BMW Night Vision96
– activating98
– cleaning camera98
– cleaning camera, refer to 
Wiper system64
– deactivating98
– making settings98
BMW Search194
BMW website4
Bottle holder, refer to 
Cupholders114
Bracket for telephone or 
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter188
Brake assistant85
– adaptive85
Brake force display93
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs224
– two-stage93
Brake rotors
– breaking-in124
– refer to Braking safely126