5.The vehicle accelerates when you release
the brake pedal. Keep the accelerator
pressed all the way down.6.The transmission shifts up automatically as
long as the accelerator is pressed all the
way down.
Launch Control only becomes available again
after a certain distance has been driven.
Launch Control can only be used after the
break-in phase, refer to page 128.
To maintain driving stability, activate DSC
whenever possible.
Manually releasing and engaging the
transmission lock
If a power failure occurs, e.g., if the battery is
discharged or disconnected, the transmission
lock must be released manually, otherwise the
rear wheels are blocked and the vehicle cannot
be towed.
Release the transmission lock manually for
towing only and set the parking brake before‐
hand to prevent the vehicle from rolling. After
parking the vehicle, engage the transmission
lock again manually, refer to page 70.
Manual release
1.Unclip the sleeve of the selector lever.2.Pull the sleeve up over the selector lever
until the sleeve is inside out.3.Unclip and raise cover frame.4.Insert an Allen wrench of the right size into
the cap.5.Turn the cap with the Allen wrench, ar‐
row 1, and remove it, arrow 2.6.Insert the Allen wrench into the opening,
arrow 1.
Turn the Allen wrench in the correct
direction
Do not turn the Allen wrench in the oppo‐
site direction as this may damage the
mechanism.◀7.Turn the Allen wrench as far as it will go,
arrow 2. The transmission lock is released.8.Draw the Allen wrench out of the opening.
Locking the transmission lock again
After parking the vehicle, lock the trans‐
mission lock again to prevent the vehicle from
rolling.◀
Seite 69DrivingControls69
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 911 315 - VI/13
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
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.
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
traction potential until after an initial breaking-
in period.
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 discs. 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
observed 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 ob‐
stacles. Otherwise, the vehicle may be dam‐
aged.◀
Closing the trunk lid Drive with the trunk lid closed
Only operate the vehicle with the trunk
lid closed; otherwise, exhaust fumes could en‐
ter the passenger compartment.◀Seite 128Driving tipsThings to remember when driving128
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 911 315 - VI/13
Bodywork contact between vehicles
Make sure that there is no contact
between the bodywork of the two vehicles;
otherwise, there is the danger of short cir‐
cuits.◀
Starting aid terminals
Connecting order
Connect the jumper cables in the correct
order; otherwise, there is the danger of injury
from sparking.◀
The so-called starting aid terminal in the en‐
gine compartment acts as the battery's posi‐
tive terminal.
The body ground or a special nut acts as the
negative terminal.
Connecting jumper cables
1.Pull off the cap of the BMW starting aid ter‐
minal.2.Attach one terminal clamp of the positive
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the
battery, or to the corresponding startingaid terminal of the vehicle providing assis‐
tance.3.Attach the other end of the cable to the
positive terminal of the battery, or to the
corresponding starting aid terminal of the
vehicle to be started.4.Attach one terminal clamp of the negative
jumper cable to the negative terminal of
the battery, or to the corresponding engine
or body ground of the vehicle providing as‐
sistance.5.Attach the other end of the cable to the
negative terminal of the battery, or to the
corresponding engine or body ground of
the vehicle to be started.
Starting the engine
Never use spray fluids to start the engine.
1.Start the engine of the assisting vehicle
and let it run for several minutes at an in‐
creased idle speed.
If the vehicle being started has a diesel en‐
gine: let the engine of the assisting vehicle
run for approx. 10 minutes.2.Start the engine of the vehicle being
started in the usual way.
If the first starting attempt is not success‐
ful, wait a few minutes before making an‐
other attempt in order to allow the dis‐
charged battery to recharge.3.Let both engines run for several minutes.4.Disconnect the jumper cables in the re‐
verse order.
Check the battery and recharge if necessary.
Seite 251Breakdown assistanceMobility251
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 911 315 - VI/13
Tow-starting and towingSport automatic transmission:
transporting your vehicle
Note
Your vehicle is not permitted to be towed.
Therefore, contact a service center in the
event of a breakdown.
Observe in the event of a breakdown
Have the vehicle transported on a load‐
ing platform only, or damage may occur.◀
Tow truck
Do not lift the vehicle
Do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting or
body and chassis parts; otherwise, damage
may result.◀
Use the tow fitting screwed in at the front for
maneuvering the vehicle only.
7-gear Sport automatic transmission
Vehicles with a 7-gear Sport automatic trans‐
mission with a dual clutch can be towed for
short distances if the following instructions are
adhered to.
Manually release the transmission lock, refer to
page 69.
Manually release the transmission lock
Manually release the transmission lock,
even if there is no malfunction involving the
transmission. Otherwise, there is the danger
that the transmission lock will be engaged au‐
tomatically during towing.◀
Adhere to the towing speed and distance
Do not exceed a towing speed of
30 mph/50 km/h and a towing distance of
30 miles/50 km or damage to the transmission
can occur.◀
Blocked parking brake
The parking brake cannot be released
manually.
When the parking brake is blocked, do not tow
the vehicle or else it may be damaged.
Contact your service center.◀
Follow the towing instructions
Follow all towing instructions, or vehicle
damage or accidents may occur.◀▷Make sure that the ignition is switched on;
otherwise, the low beams, tail lamps, turn
signals, and windshield wipers may be un‐
available.▷Do not tow the vehicle with the rear axle
tilted, as the front wheels could turn.▷When the engine is stopped, there is no
power assist. Consequently, more force
needs to be applied when braking and
steering.▷Larger steering wheel movements are re‐
quired.▷The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the vehicle being towed; otherwise,
it will not be possible to control the vehicle
response.
Secure the vehicle against rolling off
Apply the parking brake after towing and
secure the vehicle against rolling off if neces‐
sary.
Have the operability of transmission position P
checked by the service center.◀
Seite 252MobilityBreakdown assistance252
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 911 315 - VI/13
Manual transmission
Observe before towing your vehicle Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Being towed Blocked parking brake
The parking brake cannot be released
manually.
When the parking brake is blocked, do not tow
the vehicle or else it may be damaged.
Contact your service center.◀
Follow the towing instructions
Follow all towing instructions, or vehicle
damage or accidents may occur.◀▷Make sure that the ignition is switched on;
otherwise, the low beams, tail lamps, turn
signals, and windshield wipers may be un‐
available.▷Do not tow the vehicle with the rear axle
tilted, as the front wheels could turn.▷When the engine is stopped, there is no
power assist. Consequently, more force
needs to be applied when braking and
steering.▷Larger steering wheel movements are re‐
quired.▷The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the vehicle being towed; otherwise,
it will not be possible to control the vehicle
response.
Tow truck
Have your vehicle transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
Do not lift the vehicle
Do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting or
body and chassis parts; otherwise, damage
may result.◀
Towing other vehicles
General information Light towing vehicle
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the vehicle being towed; otherwise, it will
not be possible to control the vehicle re‐
sponse.◀
Attaching the tow bar/tow rope correctly
Attach the tow bar or tow rope to the tow
fitting; connecting it to other vehicle parts may
cause damage.◀▷Switch on the hazard warning system, de‐
pending on local regulations.▷If the electrical system has failed, clearly
identify the vehicle being towed by placing
a sign or a warning triangle in the rear win‐
dow.
Tow bar
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles.
Should it prove impossible to avoid mounting
the tow bar at an offset angle, please observe
the following:
▷Maneuvering capability is limited during
cornering.▷The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it
is secured with an offset.
Tow rope
When starting to tow the vehicle, make sure
that the tow rope is taut.
Seite 253Breakdown assistanceMobility253
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 911 315 - VI/13
Average fuel consumption– Setting the units 76
Average speed 73
Axle loads, refer to Weights 262
B
Backrest curvature, refer to Lumbar support 47
Backrests, refer to Seat ad‐ justment 46
Backrest width adjust‐ ment 47
Backup lamps
– Bulb replacement 245, 246
Balance 160
Band-aids, refer to First aid kit 250
Bass 160
Battery
– Disposal 39, 247– Power failure 247– Remote control 30– Replacement in the remote
control 39– Replacement, vehicle bat‐
tery 247– Vehicle 247
Before entering the car
wash 255
Belts, refer to Safety belts 48
Belt tensioners, refer to Safety belts 48
Beverage holder, refer to Cu‐ pholder 124
Black and white map dis‐ play 154
Blower, refer to Air flow rate 108, 111
Bluetooth audio 183
Bluetooth connection, acti‐ vating/deactivating 193
BMW Apps 220
BMW EfficientDynamics, re‐ fer to Saving fuel 132
BMW Homepage 6
BMW Internet page 6
BMW Maintenance Sys‐ tem 241
BMW Online 218
Bottle holder, refer to Cu‐ pholder 124
Brake assistant, refer to Dy‐ namic Brake Control 99
Brake discs, breaking in 128
Brake force display 98
Brake force distribution, elec‐ tronic 99
Brake lamps– Brake force display 98– Bulb replacement 245, 246
Brake lights, adaptive 98
Brake pads, breaking in 128
Brakes
– ABS 99
Braking
– Notes 129– Parking brake 59
Braking safely 129
Breakdown assistance 250
Breaking in 128
Brightness of Control Dis‐ play 78
Bulbs, replacing, refer to Lamps and bulbs 243
Button for starting the engine, refer to Start/Stop but‐
ton 55
Buttons on the steering wheel 12
Bypassing, see Starting aid 250
C Calendar 210
California Proposition 65 Warning 7
Camera, care 258
Can holder, refer to Cu‐ pholder 124
Capacities 263
Capacities– Cargo area, refer to
Weights 262– Fuel tank, refer to Filling ca‐
pacities 263
Car battery 247
Car care products 256
Care 255
Care, displays 258
Care, vehicle 256
Cargo 130
Cargo area 119
Cargo area
– Capacity 262– Comfort Access 38– Lamp, refer to Interior
lamps 89– Opening from the inside 36– Opening from the out‐
side 36
Cargo area capacity, enlarg‐
ing 119
Cargo, securing 120
Cargo straps, securing cargo 132
Car key, refer to Integrated key/remote control 30
Carpet, care 258
Car phone
– Installation location, refer to
Center armrest 122
Car phone, refer to Tele‐
phone 192
Car vacuum cleaner, connect‐ ing, refer to Connecting
electrical devices 118
Car wash 255
Car wash
– With Comfort Access 38
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system 129
CBS Condition Based Serv‐ ice 241
CD/DVD 170
CD/DVD notes 174
CDs, storing 175
Cell phone 192
Seite 273Everything from A to ZReference273
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 911 315 - VI/13