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.
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.
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.
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.
Using the hybrid system
efficiently
The concept
The vehicle's hybrid system runs automati‐
cally. Through foresighted driving, the hybrid
properties are efficiently used, i.e., fuel con‐
sumption and energy recovery are optimized.
Optimizing energy recovery
Types of energy recovery
Energy recovery is used to charge the high-
voltage battery. It is important for the supply of
electrical components and thus a prerequisite
for fuel efficiency. It appears in three stages
during coasting to a halt and braking.
Low energy recovery:
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HydroplaningHydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads, re‐
duce your speed to prevent 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.
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‐Seite 183Things to remember when drivingDriving tips183
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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.▷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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Battery replacement, vehiclebattery 220
Battery replacement, vehicle remote control 37
Battery, vehicle 220
Belts, safety belts 59
Beverage holder, cu‐ pholder 176
Blinds, sun protection 52
BMW ActiveHybrid 31
BMW Assist, see user's manual for Navigation, En‐
tertainment and Communi‐
cation
BMW maintenance sys‐ tem 213
Bonus range, ECO PRO 190
Bottle holder, refer to Cu‐ pholder 176
Brake assistant 134
Brake assistant, adaptive 134
Brake discs, break-in 180
Brake force display 131
Brake lights, adaptive 131
Brake lights, brake force dis‐ play 131
Brake lights, bulb replace‐ ment 218
Brake pads, break-in 180
Braking, hints 183
Breakdown assis‐ tance 222, 223
Break-in 180
Brightness of Control Dis‐ play 100
Bulb replacement 215
Bulb replacement, front 216
Bulb replacement, rear 218
Bulbs and lights 215
Button, RES 142
Button, Start/Stop 71
Bypassing, refer to Jump- starting 223 C
California Proposition 65 Warning 8
Calling up mirror adjust‐ ment 49
Calling up seat adjust‐ ment 49
Calling up steering wheel ad‐ justment 49
Camera, care 231
Camera, rearview cam‐ era 151
Camera, Side View 153
Camera, Top View 155
Can holder, refer to Cu‐ pholder 176
Car battery 220
Car care products 229
Care, displays 231
Care, vehicle 229
Cargo 185
Cargo area, storage compart‐ ments 177
Cargo, securing 186
Cargo straps, securing cargo 186
Car key, refer to Remote con‐ trol 36
Carpet, care 231
Car wash 228
Catalytic converter, refer to Hot exhaust system 182
CBS Condition Based Serv‐ ice 213
CD/Multimedia, see user's manual for Navigation, En‐
tertainment and Communi‐
cation
Center armrest 175
Center console 16
Central locking system 41
Central screen, refer to Con‐ trol Display 18
Changes, technical, refer to Safety 7 Changing parts 215
Changing wheels 220
Changing wheels/tires 203
CHARGE, energy recov‐ ery 75
Charge indicator, high-volt‐ age battery 86
Chassis number, see vehicle identification number 10
Check Control 88
Checking the engine oil level electronically 208
Checking the oil level elec‐ tronically 208
Children, seating position 67
Children, transporting safely 67
Child restraint fixing sys‐ tem 67
Child restraint fixing system LATCH 68
Child restraint fixing systems, mounting 67
Child safety locks 70
Child seat, mounting 67
Child seats 67
Chrome parts, care 230
Cigarette lighter 170
Cleaning displays 231
Climate control 160
Climate control laminated tinted safety glass 182
Climate control wind‐ shield 182
Clock 93
Closing/opening via door lock 41
Closing/opening with remote control 39
Closing the trunk lid with no- touch activation 47
Clothes hooks 177
Coasting 74
Combination reel, refer to Turn signals 78 Seite 237Everything from A to ZReference237
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