Things to remember when drivingVehicle features and options
This chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to
the selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and
systems.
Breaking-in period
General information Moving parts need time to adjust to one an‐
other (break-in time).
The following instructions will help accomplish
a long vehicle life and good efficiency.
During break-in, do not use the Launch Con‐
trol, refer to page 82.
Engine, transmission, and axle drive Always obey the official speed limit.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Do not exceed the maximum engine and road
speed:▷For gasoline engine 4,500 rpm and
100 mph/160 km/h.▷For diesel engine 3,500 rpm and
93 mph/150 km/h.
Avoid full load or kickdown under all circum‐
stances.
From 1,200 miles/2,000 km The engine and vehicle speed can gradually be
increased.
Tires
Tire traction is not optimal due to manufactur‐
ing circumstances when tires are brand-new;
they achieve their full traction potential after a
break-in time.
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 optimal per‐
formance between brake discs and brake
pads. Drive moderately during this break-in pe‐
riod.
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 ob‐
served if any of the components above-men‐
tioned have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.
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 traf‐
fic may be injured, and the vehicle may be
damaged. In addition, exhaust fumes may en‐
ter the vehicle interior.◀
If driving with the tailgate open cannot be
avoided:Seite 188Driving tipsThings to remember when driving188
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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.
Driving through water Observe water level and speed
Do not exceed the maximum water level
and maximum speed; otherwise, the vehicle's
engine, the electrical systems and the trans‐
mission may be damaged.◀
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
3 mph/5 km/h.
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 needed.
Steering is still responsive. You can still avoid
any obstacles with a minimum of steering ef‐
fort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal and sounds from
the hydraulic circuits indicate 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 within the range of movement
of the pedals
No objects in the area around the pedals
Keep floor mats, carpets, and any other
objects out of the pedal area; otherwise, the
function of the pedals could be impeded while driving and create the risk of an accident.
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 attached to
floor.
Ensure that the floor mats are securely fas‐
tened again after they were removed for clean‐
ing, e.g.◀
Driving in wet conditions When roads are wet, salted, or in heavy rain,
press brake pedal ever so gently every few
miles.
Ensure that this action does not endanger other traffic.
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 Avoid stressing the brakes
Avoid placing excessive stress on the
brake system. Light but consistent brake pres‐
sure can lead to high temperatures, brakes
wearing out and possibly even brake failure.◀
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 are un‐
available with the engine stopped.◀
Drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear that requires least braking efforts. Other‐
wise the brakes may overheat and reduce
brake efficiency.
You can increase the engine's braking effect
by shifting down, going all the way to first gear,
if needed.
Brake disc corrosion
Brake disc corrosion and contamination of the
brake pads are favored by:▷Low mileage.Seite 190Driving tipsThings to remember when driving190
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▷Extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all.▷Infrequent use of the brakes.
Corrosion will built up when the maximum
pressure applied to the brake pads during
braking is not reached - thus discs don't get
cleaned.
Corrosion buildup on the brake discs will cause
a pulsating effect on the brakes in their re‐
sponse - generally that cannot be corrected.
Condensation under the parked
vehicle
When using the automatic climate control,
condensation water develops collecting under‐
neath the vehicle.
These traces of water under the vehicle are
normal.
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Blinds, sun protection 49
BMW Advanced Diesel 207
BMW Assist, see user's manual for Navigation, En‐
tertainment and Communi‐
cation
BMW maintenance sys‐ tem 233
Bonus range, ECO PRO 197
Bottle holder, refer to Cu‐ pholder 183
Brake assistant 135
Brake assistant, adaptive 135
Brake discs, break-in 188
Brake force display 132
Brake lights, adaptive 132
Brake lights, brake force dis‐ play 132
Brake lights, bulb replace‐ ment 238
Brake pads, break-in 188
Braking, hints 190
Breakdown assis‐ tance 242, 243
Break-in 188
Brightness of Control Dis‐ play 100
Bulb replacement 235
Bulb replacement, front 236
Bulb replacement, rear 238
Bulbs and lights 235
Button, RES 146
Button, Start/Stop 69
Bypassing, refer to Jump- starting 243
C
California Proposition 65 Warning 7
Calling up mirror adjust‐ ment 46
Calling up seat adjust‐ ment 46
Calling up steering wheel ad‐ justment 46 Camera, care 251
Camera, rearview cam‐ era 155
Camera, Side View 157
Camera, Top View 159
Can holder, refer to Cu‐ pholder 183
Car battery 240
Car care products 249
Care, displays 251
Care, vehicle 249
Cargo 192
Cargo area, enlarging 177
Cargo area, storage compart‐ ments 184
Cargo, securing 193
Cargo straps, securing cargo 193
Car key, refer to Remote con‐ trol 34
Carpet, care 251
Car wash 248
Catalytic converter, refer to Hot exhaust system 189
CBS Condition Based Serv‐ ice 233
CD/Multimedia, see user's manual for Navigation, En‐
tertainment and Communi‐
cation
Center armrest 182
Center console 16
Central locking system 39
Central screen, refer to Con‐ trol Display 18
Changes, technical, refer to Safety 7
Changing parts 235
Changing wheels 240
Changing wheels/tires 223
Chassis number, see vehicle identification number 9
Check Control 88
Checking the engine oil level electronically 228 Checking the oil level elec‐
tronically 228
Children, seating position 65
Children, transporting safely 65
Child restraint fixing sys‐ tem 65
Child restraint fixing system LATCH 66
Child restraint fixing systems, mounting 65
Child safety locks 68
Child seat, mounting 65
Child seats 65
Chrome parts, care 250
Cigarette lighter 174
Cleaning displays 251
Climate control 165
Climate control laminated tinted safety glass 189
Climate control wind‐ shield 189
Clock 93
Closing/opening via door lock 39
Closing/opening with remote control 37
Closing the trunk lid with no- touch activation 44
Clothes hooks 184
Coasting 199
Coasting with engine decou‐ pled, coasting 199
Coasting with idling en‐ gine 199
Cold starting, refer to Starting the engine 70
Combination reel, refer to Turn signals 76
Combination reel, refer to Wiper system 77
COMFORT+ program, Driving Dynamics Control 141
Comfort Access 42
COMFORT program, Driving Dynamics Control 141 Seite 259Everything from A to ZReference259
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