▷Shift up: pull right shift paddle.▷Shift down: pull left shift paddle.
The vehicle only shifts up or down at appropriate
engine and road speeds, e.g., it does not shift
down if the engine speed is too high.
The selected gear is briefly displayed in the in‐
strument cluster, followed by the current gear.
Displays in the instrument cluster
The gear position is displayed and the engaged
gear, such as M4, is displayed in manual mode.
7-gear Sport automatic
transmission with dual clutch
The concept
This transmission is an automated manual
transmission with two clutches and two gearbox
components in which the gears are changed
without loss of torque.
The transmission is operated using the selector
lever and two shift paddles on the steering
wheel.
Functions:
▷Choice of manual or automatic operation:
manual mode or drive mode.▷Automatic downshifting and protection
against selecting the wrong gear, even in
manual mode.▷Acceleration assistant, Launch Control, re‐
fer to page 58.▷Automatic throttle blip.
System limits
This transmission is equipped with an overheat‐
ing protection system that protects the clutches
against extremely high loads.
The indicator lamp lights up yellow if
the transmission becomes too warm.
Avoid high engine loads and driving off
frequently.
If the transmission overheats, the indicator lamp
lights up red and power flow to the engine is in‐
terrupted. You can only continue driving after
the transmission has cooled down.
Avoid driving off frequently with high accelera‐
tion and do not hold the vehicle on inclines by
depressing the accelerator lightly; otherwise,
the transmission may overheat.
Transmission positions
P R N D M/S + –
Displays in the instrument cluster
The gear position and the engaged gear, such
as M4, are displayed.
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Things to remember when drivingVehicle equipment
This chapter describes all series equipment as
well as country-specific and special equipment
offered for this model series.Therefore, it also
describes equipment that may not be found in
your vehicle, for instance due to the selected
special equipment or the country version. This
also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐
tems.
Breaking-in period
General information
Moving parts need to be broken in to adjust to
each other.
The following instructions will help achieve a
long vehicle life and good economy.
Engine and differential
Always obey the official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Do not exceed the maximum engine and road
speeds:▷4,500 rpm and 100 mph/160 km/h.
Do not drive with full-throttle operation, and do
not use the transmission's kickdown mode or
Launch Control.
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 breaking-in pe‐
riod.
Drive conservatively for the first 200 miles/
300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of ap‐
prox. 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 clutch requires an initial break-in period of
approx. 300 miles/500 km to function at an op‐
timal level.
During this break-in period, engage the clutch
gently.
Following part replacement
The same breaking in procedures should be ob‐
served if any of the components mentioned
above have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.
General driving notes
Ground clearance Limited ground clearance
Note that the Z4 sDrive35 has limited
ground clearance, for instance when driving into
underground parking garages or over obstacles.
Otherwise, the vehicle may be damaged.◀
Closing the trunk lid Drive with the trunk lid closed
Only operate the vehicle with the trunk lid
closed; otherwise, exhaust fumes could enter
the passenger compartment.◀Seite 108Driving tipsThings to remember when driving108
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Ensure that the floor mats are securely fastened
again when they are returned after being re‐
moved, such as 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.
Ensure that this action does not endanger other
road users.
The heat generated in this process helps dry the
brake discs and pads.
In this way braking efficiency will be available
when you need it.
Hills
Drive long or steep downhill gradients in the gear
in which the least braking is required. Otherwise,
the brake system may overheat, resulting in a
reduction in the brake system efficiency.
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, going all the way to first gear, if
necessary.
Downshifting in manual mode of the 8-gear
Sport automatic transmission, refer to page 54.
Downshifting in manual mode of the 7-gear
Sport automatic transmission with dual clutch,
refer to page 57.
Avoid load on the brakes
Avoid placing excessive load on the brake
system. Light but consistent brake pressure can
lead to high temperatures, brake wear and pos‐
sibly even brake failure.◀
Do not drive in neutral
Never drive with the transmission in neu‐
tral, with the engine switched off or with the
clutch depressed; otherwise, you will have nei‐
ther the braking action of the engine or nor its
power assistance when braking or steering.◀Brake disc corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and contamination
on the brake pads are furthered by:▷Low mileage.▷Extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all.▷Infrequent use of the brakes.
Corrosion occurs when the minimum pressure
that must be exerted by the pads during brake
applications to clean the discs is not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake discs, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating ef‐
fect that generally cannot be corrected.
Condensation under the parked vehicle
When using the automatic climate control, con‐
densation water develops that exits underneath
the vehicle.
Therefore, traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are normal.
Loading Overloading the vehicle
To avoid exceeding the approved carrying
capacity of the tires, never overload the vehicle.
Overloading can lead to overheating and in‐
creases the rate at which damage develops in‐
side the tires. This could result in a sudden loss
of tire inflation pressure.◀
Secure heavy objects
Never transport unsecured heavy or hard
objects in the passenger compartment, as they
could be thrown around and pose a safety haz‐
ard to the vehicle's occupants during abrupt
braking or evasive maneuvers.◀
No fluids in the cargo area
Make sure that fluids do not leak into the
cargo area; otherwise, the vehicle may be dam‐
aged.◀
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Manual transmission
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck with
a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
Sport automatic transmission
Have the BMW transported on a flat bed.
Tow-starting
With the Sport automatic transmission, the en‐
gine cannot be started by tow-starting.
If possible, do not tow-start the vehicle but start
the engine by jump-starting, refer to page 177,
it. If the vehicle is equipped with a catalytic con‐
verter, only tow-start while the engine is cold.
1.Switch on the hazard warning system and
comply with local regulations.2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page 45.3.Shift into 3rd gear.4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
pressed 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 system.6.Have the vehicle checked.Seite 181Breakdown assistanceMobility181
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12CauseHow to respondParking brake malfunctioning.
Not functional while vehicle is stationary.Secure vehicle against rolling
when parked. Have the system
checked immediately.Parking brake failedSecure vehicle against rolling
when parked. Have the system
checked immediately.Indication in Canadian modelsLights up in red:The parking brake is set.Release the parking brake.Lights up in yellow:Parking brake malfunctioning.Have the system checked imme‐
diately.Parking brake malfunctioning.
Emergency braking with the parking brake not
possible.Have the system checked imme‐
diately.Parking brake malfunctioning.
Not functional while vehicle is stationary.Secure vehicle against rolling
when parked. Have the system
checked immediately.Parking brake failedSecure vehicle against rolling
when parked. Have the system
checked immediately.External temperature warningDrive conservatively, refer to
page 60.Lights up briefly:
Approx. 2.1 US gal/8 liters of fuel remain in the
tank.
Remains on:
The remaining range is no more than 30 miles/
50 km, refer to page 61.The engine refuses to start.Depress the brake or clutch to
start the engine, refer to
page 46.Seite 187Indicator/warning lampsMobility187
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12CauseHow to respondThe cargo area partition is not in the lower‐
most position.Press down the cargo area parti‐
tion until it engages on both
sides.Roof activation only possible while vehicle is
stationary.The vehicle is not level; roof activation is not
possible.Move the vehicle to a level sur‐
face.The trunk lid is open.The fuel cap is missing or loose.Make sure that the fuel cap is
correctly positioned and close it
until it clicks audibly. Do not jam
the strap between the fuel cap
and the vehicle.The windshield washer fluid level is too low.Add washer fluid as soon as pos‐
sible, refer to page 52.Lights up in red:Service is due.Arrange a service appointment.
Check the service requirements,
refer to page 65.Lights up in yellow:The engine will start the next time the Start/
Stop button is touched, possibly without the
brake or clutch being depressedThe remote control is malfunctioning or, in
cars with Comfort Access, was not detected.The engine cannot be started.
Have the remote control
checked, if necessary.The battery in the remote control is dis‐
charged.Use the remote control for a lon‐
ger journey or, in cars with Com‐
fort Access, replace the battery.The belt tensioners and/or airbag system has
failed.Have the system checked imme‐
diately.Seite 189Indicator/warning lampsMobility189
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12CauseHow to respondLights up in red:The transmission is overheating.Stop the car and engage trans‐
mission position P. Allow the
transmission to cool down. You
can continue your trip at moder‐
ate speeds. Have the system
checked if the situation reoc‐
curs.Lights up in yellow:Manual transmission: the clutch temperature
is too high.Allow the clutch to cool down.
Cooling occurs while the vehicle
is either stationary or moving.
Avoid stop-and-go driving and
driving below walking speed for
lengthy periods. The clutch has
cooled down when this message
disappears. The clutch is not
damaged.The automatic transmission is too hot.Avoid high engine loads. You can
continue your journey, but mod‐
erate your speed and exercise
due caution.Transmission position P is not engaged. The
vehicle is not secured against rolling.The selector lever is malfunctioning.The trip can be continued. Shift
again if necessary. Have the sys‐
tem checked if the situation re‐
occurs.It is possible to engage the gear without de‐
pressing the brake.To change the transmission po‐
sition, always depress the brake.The pinch protection system of the power
windows is malfunctioning.Have the system checked.Seite 197Indicator/warning lampsMobility197
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12CauseHow to respondThe service appointment is overdue.Arrange a service appointment.
Check the service requirements,
refer to page 65.Lights up in yellow:Service is due.Arrange a service appointment.
Check the service requirements,
refer to page 65.No service due.Check the service requirements,
refer to page 65.The time and date are no longer correct.Set the time and date, refer to
page 64.Steering assistance has failed.
Markedly different steering response.You can continue your journey,
but moderate your speed and ex‐
ercise due caution. Have the sys‐
tem checked as soon as possi‐
ble.Damping control is malfunctioning or has
failed.
Driving comfort is impaired.You can continue your journey,
but moderate your speed and ex‐
ercise due caution. Have the sys‐
tem checked as soon as possi‐
ble.The engine was switched off by the Auto Start/
Stop function.To start the engine: press on the
clutch pedal, refer to page 48.The Automatic Engine Start/Stop Function is
deactivated.The Automatic Engine Start/
Stop Function was deactivated
using the button in the center
console, refer to page 48. The
engine will not be switched off or
started automatically. To switch
off/start the engine: press the
Start/Stop button.The Automatic Engine Start/Stop Function
has failed.The engine will not be switched
off or started automatically.
Switch off or start the engine us‐
ing the Start/Stop button. Have
the system checked as soon as
possible.Seite 199Indicator/warning lampsMobility199
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