2013 BMW M5 SEDAN Owners Manual

Driving tips
This chapter provides you with information useful in dealing with specific driving and operating modes.Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 909 953 - VI/13

BMW M5 technologyVehicle equipment
All standard, country-specific and optional
equipment that is offered in the model series is
described in this chapter. Therefore, equip‐
ment is also described that is not available in a
vehicle, e. g., because of the selected optional
equipment or country variant. This also applies
for safety-related functions and systems.
V8 high-performance engine
The high-performance V8 engine gets maxi‐
mum power of 412 kW and maximum torque of
680 Nm from a displacement of 4.4 liters. With
its spontaneous response behavior, a speed
range of wide utility results. The maximum en‐
gine speed is at 7,200 rpm and it electronically
controlled. Because of the high engine dynam‐
ics, the maximum engine speed with the vehi‐
cle stationary is progressively deactivated after
a short time.
Warmup
During the engine warmup phase, the V8 high-
performance engine has a somewhat rougher
running behavior because of the emission con‐
trols.
When the engine is cold, the exhaust system
has a slightly metallic undertone due to the na‐
ture of the system.
For more information about the warmup proce‐
dure: Engine speed, refer to page 81, and en‐
gine oil temperature, refer to page 81.
Compound brake
The vehicle has a high-performance brake sys‐
tem with perforated compound brake discs.
Because of particular structural characteristics,
there may be operation-related noises during
braking. However, this has no effect on per‐
formance, operational reliability and reliability
of the brake.
Correct braking
To keep the brake system in optimum condi‐
tion, it is expedient to apply them at regular in‐
tervals corresponding to the vehicle character.
M carbon ceramic brake
The vehicle is fitted with a high-performance
braking system with perforated carbon ce‐
Seite 158Driving tipsBMW M5 technology158
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 909 953 - VI/13

ramic brake discs designed for use on race‐
tracks.
Due to properties of the materials used, brak‐
ing may be associated with louder function
noises, particularly in wet conditions, just be‐
fore the vehicle comes to a stop. However, this
has no effect on the performance, operational
reliability and durability of the brake.
The effects of moisture and road salt, from us‐
ing a carwash or dew formation overnight for
example, may render the braking effect com‐
parable to that of a conventional braking sys‐
tem. This may be perceived as reduced brak‐
ing effect and can be compensated for if
necessary by pressing the brake pedal harder.
Before washing the vehicle in an automatic
carwash or wash tunnel, clean the brake discs
and brake calipers with a steam jet or high-
pressure washer as well, to prevent encrusta‐
tions and dirt build-ups, caused by salt crys‐
tals, for example, if the car is immobile
afterwards. The cleaning effect of automatic
carwashes or wash tunnels is usually not ade‐
quate for this in the area around the wheels.
To do this, also follow the instructions in
Washing the vehicle, refer to page 205, and
Braking safely, refer to page 162.
Drive train With this vehicle, particular value was placed
on the direct connection from engine to the
drive train. Due to the torsionally rigid design of
the drive train, as is typical in a sports car, the
transmission of the torque also gives acoustic
feedback.
When there are load changes, this may result
in clacker noises. They do not cause any im‐
pairment of the operation or the service life of
the components.Driving on racetracks
Requirements Before driving on a racetrack:▷Participation in the BMW Driver Training.▷Check engine oil fill level and replenish as
necessary.▷Have vehicle checked at a service center.
Hints
Racetrack operation leads to increased wear.
The vehicle is not designed for motorsports
competitive use. This wear is not covered by
the warranty.
The standard brake linings and the wear indi‐
cators are not designed for racetrack opera‐
tion. For more information and advice, contact
your service center.
Seite 159BMW M5 technologyDriving tips159
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 909 953 - VI/13

Things to remember when drivingVehicle equipment
All standard, country-specific and optional
equipment that is offered in the model series is
described in this chapter. Therefore, equip‐
ment is also described that is not available in a
vehicle, e. g., because of the selected optional
equipment or country variant. This also applies
for safety-related functions and systems.
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.
During break-in, do not use the Launch Con‐
trol, refer to page 75.
Engine and differential Always obey the official speed limit.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km Drive at varying engine and road speeds, but
do not exceed 5,500 rpm and
106 mph/170 km/h.
Avoid full load or kickdown on the accelerator
pedal under all circumstances.
At 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Have drive-in checkup maintenance per‐
formed.
From 1,200 miles/2,000 km to
3,100 miles/5,000 km
The engine and road speed can gradually be
increased to a constant speed of
137 mph/220 km/h.Use the maximum speed of 155 mph/250 km/h
only briefly, e.g., when passing.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full
traction potential until after an initial breaking-
in period.
Drive conservatively for the first
200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
M Compound brakes require an initial break-in
period of approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve
optimized contact and wear patterns between
brake discs and brake pads. Drive moderately
during this break-in period.
M carbon ceramic brakes require an initial
break-in period of approx. 600 miles/1,000 km
to achieve optimized contact and wear pat‐ terns between brake discs and brake pads.
Drive moderately 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 breaking 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.Seite 160Driving tipsThings to remember when driving160
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 909 953 - VI/13

General driving notes
Closing the trunk lid Drive with the trunk lid closed
Only drive with the tailgate closed; other‐
wise, in the event of an accident or braking and
evasive maneuvers, passengers and other road
users may be injured, and the vehicle may be
damaged. In addition, exhaust fumes may en‐
ter the passenger compartment.◀
If driving with the tailgate open cannot be avoided:▷Close all windows and the glass sunroof.▷Greatly increase the blower speed.▷Drive moderately.
Hot exhaust system
Hot exhaust system
High temperatures are generated in the
exhaust system.
Do not remove the heat shields installed and
never apply undercoating to them. Make sure
that flammable materials, e. g. hay, leaves,
grass, etc. do not come in contact with the hot
exhaust system during driving, while in idle po‐
sition mode, or when parked. Such contact
could lead to a fire, and with it the risk of seri‐
ous personal injury as well as property dam‐
age.
Do not touch hot exhaust pipes; otherwise,
there is the danger of getting burned.◀
Climate control windshield
The marked area is not covered with heat re‐
flective coating.
Use this area for garage door openers, devices
for electronic toll collection, etc.
Climate control laminated tinted
safety glass
The vehicle glass provides full protection
against the harmful effects of UV radiation on
the skin.
Mobile communication devices in thevehicle
Mobile communication devices in the ve‐
hicle
It is advised that you do not use mobile com‐
munication devices, e.g., mobile phones, in‐
side the vehicle without connecting them di‐
rectly to the external antenna. Otherwise, the
vehicle electronics and mobile communication
devices can interfere with each other. In addi‐
tion, there is no assurance that the radiation
generated during transmission will be dis‐
charged from the vehicle interior.◀
Hydroplaning
On wet or slushy roads, a wedge of water can
form between the tires and road surface.
This phenomenon is referred to as hydroplan‐
ing. It is characterized by a partial or complete
loss of contact between the tires and the road
surface, ultimately undermining your ability to
steer and brake the vehicle.
Seite 161Things to remember when drivingDriving tips161
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 909 953 - VI/13

Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads, re‐
duce your speed to prevent hydroplaning.◀
Driving through water Drive though calm water only and only if it is
not deeper than. 9.8 inches/25 cm and at this
height, no faster than walking speed, up to
6 mph/10 km/h.
Adhere to water depth and speed limita‐
tions
Do not exceed this water depth and walking
speed; otherwise, the vehicle's engine, the
electrical systems and the transmission may
be damaged.◀
Braking safely
Your vehicle is equipped with ABS as a stand‐
ard feature.
Applying the brakes fully is the most effective
way of braking in situations when this is neces‐
sary.
The vehicle maintains steering responsive‐
ness. You can still avoid any obstacles with a
minimum of steering effort.
The pulsing of the brake pedal indicates that
ABS is in its active mode.
In certain braking situations, the perforated
brake discs can cause functional problems.
However, this has no effect on the perform‐
ance and operational reliability of the brake.
Objects in the area around the pedals No objects in the area around the pedals
Keep floor mats, carpets, and any other
objects out of the area of motion of the pedals;
otherwise, the function of the pedals could be
impeded while driving
Do not place additional floor mats over existing
mats or other objects.Only use floor mats that have been approved
for the vehicle and can be properly fixed in
place.
Ensure that the floor mats are securely fas‐
tened again after they were removed for clean‐
ing, for example.◀
Driving in wet conditions When roads are wet coated with road salt or
there is heavy rain, briefly exert gentle pres‐
sure 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, re‐
sulting in a reduction in the brake system effi‐
ciency.
Manual transmission:
You can increase the engine's braking effect
by shifting down, going all the way to first gear,
if necessary.
Double-clutch transmission:
You can increase the engine's braking effect
by shifting down in sequential mode, refer to
page 73.
Avoid load on the brakes
Avoid placing excessive load on the
brake system. Light but consistent brake pres‐
sure can lead to high temperatures, brake wear
and possibly even brake failure.◀Seite 162Driving tipsThings to remember when driving162
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 909 953 - VI/13

Do not drive in neutral
Do not drive in neutral or with the engine
stopped, as doing so disables engine braking.
In addition, steering and brake assist is un‐
available with the engine stopped.◀
Brake disc corrosion The corrosion on the brake discs and the con‐
tamination 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,
condensation water develops that exits under‐
neath the vehicle.
Traces of water under the vehicle like this are
normal.
Ground clearance Limited ground clearance
Observe the limited ground clearance of
the vehicle, e. g. while entering underground
parking garages or when driving over obsta‐
cles. Otherwise, damages to the vehicle may
result.◀
To drive down from curbs with the Electronic
Damper Control, refer to page 119, select the
following program, to keep the ground clear‐
ance as even as possible: "Sport Plus"
M Driver's Package: Driving in the
higher speed range
Damage to the vehicle
To ensure problem-free driving behavior
in the maximum speed range, have any dam‐
age to the vehicle repaired as soon as possible
as it could negatively impact driving perform‐
ance. This includes, among other things, tires,
undercarriage and parts for improving aerody‐ namics.
Until the damage is repaired, do not drive the
vehicle in the higher speed range; otherwise,
there is danger of an accident.◀Seite 163Things to remember when drivingDriving tips163
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 909 953 - VI/13

LoadingVehicle equipment
All standard, country-specific and optional
equipment that is offered in the model series is
described in this chapter. Therefore, equip‐
ment is also described that is not available in a
vehicle, e. g., because of the selected optional
equipment or country variant. This also applies
for safety-related functions and systems.
Hints Overloading the vehicle
To avoid exceeding the approved carry‐
ing capacity of the tires, never overload the ve‐
hicle. Overloading can lead to overheating and
increases the rate at which damage develops
inside the tires. This could result in a sudden
loss of tire inflation pressure.◀
No fluids in the trunk
Make sure that fluids do not leak into the
trunk; otherwise, the vehicle may be dam‐
aged.◀
Determining the load limit1.Locate the following statement on your ve‐
hicle’s placard:▷The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed XXX kg
or YYY lbs. Otherwise, damage to thevehicle and unstable driving situations
may result.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 ca‐
pacity.
For example, if the YYY amount equals
1,000 lbs and there will be four 150 lbs
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity
is 400 lbs: 1,000 lbs minus 600 lbs =
400 lbs.5.Determine the combined weight of lug‐
gage and cargo being loaded on the vehi‐
cle. That weight may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
Load
The maximum load is the sum of the weight of
the occupants and the cargo.
The greater the weight of the occupants, the
less cargo that can be transported.
Seite 164Driving tipsLoading164
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 909 953 - VI/13