Things to remember when driving
116
Things to remember when driving
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to
each other. Please follow the instructions below
in order to achieve the optimal service life and
economy of operation for your vehicle.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at varying engine and road speeds, but do
not exceed an engine speed of 4,500 rpm or a
road speed of 100 mph/160 km/h.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kickdown mode.
After driving 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually
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 cautiously 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 cautiously during this break-in
period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch reaches its optimal
level only after a distance driven of approx.
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period,
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
The same break-in procedures should be
observed if any of the components mentioned
above have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.
Saving fuel
The fuel consumption of your vehicle depends
on several factors. You can lower fuel consump-
tion and the environmental impact by taking
certain measures, adjusting your driving style
and having the vehicle serviced regularly.
Remove any unneeded cargo
Additional weight increases fuel consumption.
Remove any mounted parts after you
have finished using them
Remove unneeded additional mirrors, the roof
rack and the rear luggage rack after use.
Mounted parts affect the vehicle's aerodynam-
ics and increase fuel consumption.
Close the windows and glass roof
An open glass roof or window causes higher air
resistance and thus increases fuel consump-
tion.
Check tire inflation pressure regularly
Check the tire inflation pressure at least twice a
month and before embarking on a long journey,
and correct it if necessary.
Low tire inflation pressure causes higher rolling
resistance and thus increases fuel consumption
and tire wear.
Set off immediately
Do not let the engine warm up while the car is
still standing, but set off immediately at moder-
ate engine speed. This is the fastest way for the
cold engine to reach its operating temperature.
Things to remember when driving
118 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 page213.
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 for a
lengthy period using the clutch; use the
parking brake instead. Otherwise, greater
clutch wear will result.<
For more information about the drive-off assis-
tant, refer to page84.
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.
Objects in the movement range of the
pedals
Keep floor mats, carpet, and other objects
out of the movement range of the pedals;
otherwise, they may inhibit the function of the
pedals during driving.
Do not place additional floor mats onto an exist-
ing one or onto other objects.
Only use floor mats that have been approved for
the vehicle and can be appropriately fastened.
Make sure that the floor mats are securely fas-
tened again after they have been removed, e.g.
for cleaning.<
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 page61.
Sport automatic transmission with double
clutch never drive with the transmission in
neutral or with the engine switched off; other-
wise, there will be no engine braking action and
no power assistance to the brakes and steering.
Manual transmission: never drive with the
clutch held down, with the transmission in neu-
tral or with the engine switched off; otherwise,
there will be no engine braking action and no
power assistance to the brakes and 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
Care
224
Sport automatic transmission with
double 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 into the ignition
lock, even with Comfort Access.
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.
The transmission is switched into position P:
>Automatically after approx. 30 minutes
>If you remove the infrared remote control
from the ignition lock
Steam jets/high-pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure
washers, make sure to maintain sufficient
distance from the vehicle and do not exceed a
temperature of 1407/606.
Insufficient clearance or excessive pressure or
temperature can lead to component damage or
water penetration. Follow the operating instruc-
tions for the steam jet or high-pressure
washer.<
When using high-pressure washers, do
not spray the sensors, e.g. of the Park
Distance Control, for an extended period and
maintain a distance of at least 1 ft/30 cm from
them.<
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 unintentional 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.
Loosen dirt, e.g. insects, with shampoo or
insect remover and wash away with copious
quantities of water.
Thaw ice with a windshield deicer 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.<
Convertible top care
The appearance and service life of the convert-
ible top largely depends on its proper care and
operation.
Please follow these instructions:
>Never attempt to fold and stow the convert-
ible top in the convertible compartment
when the top is wet or frozen. Otherwise,
water stains, mildew, and chafe marks may
occur.
>If water spots occur on the inside headliner
despite precautions, remove them using a
microfiber cloth and interior cleaner.
>If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area
for a longer period of time, make sure that
there is sufficient ventilation.
>Remove any bird droppings immediately,
since they have corrosive properties which
will corrode the convertible top and damage
the rubber seals.
To remove stains from the convertible
top, do not use stain removers, paint thin-
ners, solvents, benzine or similar substances.
These cleaners may damage the rubber seals.
The improper care or cleaning methods may
cause the convertible top and its seams to
leak.<
To remove heavy soiling, use a special convert-
ible top cleaner.
Mobility
237Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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. There is
no power assist while the engine is off. Thus,
braking and steering will require increased
effort. Active steering is not active and it will be
necessary to turn the steering wheel further.<
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Changing selector lever position, refer to
page60.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph/
70 km/h and a towing distance of
90 miles/150 km; otherwise, the automatic
transmission may be damaged.<
Sport automatic transmission with
double clutch
Make sure that the parking lock P is not
engaged; otherwise, the rear wheels are
immobilized.
When using the car wash function, refer to
page224, make sure that after approx.
30 minutes, the parking lock P is automatically
engaged and thus immobilizes the rear wheels.
In the event of an electrical malfunction or if the
vehicle must be towed for more than approx.
20 minutes, unlock the parking lock manually,
refer to page65.
mum distance traveled of 30 miles/50 km; oth-
erwise, the transmission may be damaged.<
BMW recommends transporting the vehicle on
a tow truck with a flatbed or towing with the rear
axle raised.
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 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.<
Giving and receiving assistance
238
With a tow truck
Manual transmission and automatic transmis-
sion:
Sport automatic transmission with
double clutch:
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar, or on a flatbed.
Do not tow the vehicle with just the rear axle
raised as this may cause the steering to turn.
Tow-starting
Avoid tow-starting the vehicle whenever possi-
ble; instead, jump-start the engine, refer to
page235. Vehicles with a catalytic converter
should only be tow-started when the engine is
cold, vehicles with an automatic transmission or
Sport automatic transmission with double
clutch cannot be tow-started at all.
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
comply with local regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page57.
3.Shift into 3rd gear.
4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
completely depressed and then 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 vehicle checked.
Reference 245
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Weights
Coupe
Convertible
128i135i
Approved gross weight
>with manual transmission lbs./kg 4,134/1,875 4,255/1,930
>with automatic transmission lbs./kg 4,211/1,910 –
>Sport automatic transmission
with double clutchlbs./kg – 4,321/1,960
Load lbs./kg 794/360 794/360
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,028/920 2,116/960
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,293/1,040 2,293/1,040
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 165/75 165/75
Cargo area capacity cu ft/liters 13.1/370 13.1/370
128i135i
Approved gross weight
>with manual transmission lbs./kg 4,398/1,995 4,541/2,060
>with automatic transmission lbs./kg 4,475/2,030 –
>Sport automatic transmission
with double clutchlbs./kg – 4,608/2,090
Load lbs./kg 750/340 750/340
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,050/930 2,161/980
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,467/1,119 2,469/1,120
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg – –
Cargo area capacity cu ft/liters 9.1-10.7/260-305 9.1-10.7/260-305
Reference 255
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Backup lamp, replacing
bulb231
Bag for skis, refer to Ski
bag110
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch235
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away237
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter186
Bass, tone setting144
Battery232
– charging232
– disposal37,232
– jump-starting235
– replacing232
– temporary power failure232
Battery renewal
– remote control for vehicle37
Being towed237
Belts, refer to Safety belts50
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts50
Beverage holders, refer to
Cupholders108
Blower, refer to Air
volume101
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating177
Bluetooth audio169
– disconnecting an audio
connection171
– pairing a device169
– playback170
– unpairing device171
– What to do if...171
BMW
– car shampoo224
BMW Assist198
– updating202
BMW Maintenance
System221
BMW Online*200
BMW TeleServices199
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders108
Brake Assist, refer to Dynamic
Brake Control83Brake fluid
– service requirements74
Brake Force Display90
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display90
– replacing bulb231
Brake pads, breaking in116
Brake pedal, refer to Braking
safely118
Brake rotors118
– brakes116
– breaking in116
Brakes
– ABS83
– BMW Maintenance
System221
– braking safely118
– breaking in116
– parking brake59
– service requirements74
Brake system116
– BMW Maintenance
System221
– breaking in116
– disc brakes118
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance234
Breaking in the clutch116
Break-in period116
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs227
Button for starting the
engine57
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
Calendar193
– displaying appointment193
– selecting calendar day193
California Proposition 65
warning6
Call
– accepting181
– ending181
– muting the microphone182
– rejecting181Calling, refer to Phone
numbers, dialing181
Calling, refer to Telephone
owner's manual
Calls
– with multiple parties181
Can holders, refer to
Cupholders108
Capacities246
Capacity of the cargo area245
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery232
Car care, refer to Care223
Care223
– automatic car washes223
– care products223
– carpets226
– CD/DVD drives226
– chrome parts225
– convertible top224
– displays226
– exterior223
– fine wood parts226
– headlamps224
– high-pressure washer224
– interior225
– leather225
– light-alloy wheels225
– paintwork225
– plastic parts226
– rubber seals225
– safety belts226
– sensors and cameras226
– upholstery and cloth
trim225
– washing the car
manually224
– windows224
Cargo, securing120
Cargo area
– capacity245
– Comfort Access36
– enlarging, refer to Through-
loading system109
– lamp, refer to Interior
lamps98
– lid, refer to Trunk lid
33
– opening from outside33
Everything from A to Z
258 Driving through water118
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes116
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function101
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control83
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control84
– indicator lamps84
DVD
– country codes157
– settings158
– video playback157
DVD menu158
DVD player, refer to CD
player155
DVD video157
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC83
Dynamic destination
guidance140
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC83
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC84
– indicator lamps84
E
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution83
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on the CD/DVD player144
Electrical defect
– 7-gear Sport automatic
transmission with double
clutch65
Electrical malfunction
– door lock32
– fuel filler flap206
– glass roof40
Electronic brake-force
distribution EBV83
Electronic oil level check217
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC83
Email192Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock32
– fuel filler flap206
– glass roof40
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission61
Emergency release, trunk
lid34
Emergency Request234
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance234
Energy, saving
– saving fuel116
Engine
– breaking in116
– data242
– speed242
– starting58
– starting, Comfort Access35
– switching off58
Engine compartment217
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant219
Engine oil
– adding219
– additives219
– alternative oil types219
– approved engine oils219
– BMW Maintenance
System221
– checking level217
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements74
Engine oil level, checking217
Engine output, refer to Engine
data242
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data242
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine58
Entering the postal code for
navigation126
Entry map for destination130
Equalizer, tone setting145
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC83Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system117
Exterior mirrors51
– adjusting51
– automatic dimming
feature52
– automatic heating52
– folding in and out51
External devices
– random play sequence168
– software update172
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away236
– for tying down loads120
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control78
Failure of an electrical
consumer232
False alarm, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms35
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts50
Fastest route for
navigation134
Fast forward
– CD changer157
– CD player157
Filter of automatic climate
control, refer to Microfilter/
activated charcoal filter102
First aid pouch235
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock57
Flash when locking/
unlocking30
Flat tire
– run-flat tires214
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM86
Flat Tire Monitor FTM84
– indicating a flat tire85
– initializing the system85
– system limits84
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition213