Locking manually1.Press the button, see arrow. The transmis‐
sion lock is locked again.2.Clip the cover frame back into place.3.Clip the sleeve of the selector lever back in
place.4.Set the parking brake.
Jump-starting, refer to page 250, towing, refer
to page 252.
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Activating COMFORTPress the button repeatedly until
COMFORT is selected in the instru‐
ment cluster.
Displays in the instrument cluster
The selected program is displayed in the in‐
strument cluster.
Drive-off assistant
This system supports driving away on gradi‐
ents. The parking brake is not required.
1.Hold the vehicle in place with the foot
brake.2.Release the foot brake and drive away
without delay.
After the foot brake is released, the vehicle is
held in place for approx. 2 seconds.
Depending on the vehicle load, the vehicle may
roll back slightly.
Driving off without delay
After releasing the foot brake, start driv‐
ing without delay, since the drive-off assistant
will not hold the vehicle in place for more than
approx. 2 seconds and the vehicle will begin
rolling back.◀
Servotronic
The concept
The Servotronic varies the steering force re‐
quired to turn the wheels depending on the
speed at which you are driving. Power steering
provides strong support at low speeds, which
means that little effort is needed to turn the
wheels. Power steering support lessens as
your speed increases.
The system works automatically.
Malfunction
Malfunctions are displayed via Check Control,
refer to page 82.Seite 102ControlsDriving stability control systems102
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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
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
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4.Open "Options".5."Random"
CDs/DVDs with compressed audio files: all
tracks within the selected directory are played
in random order.
Random mode is switched off when the audio
source is changed and the ignition is switched
off.
Fast forward/reverse Press and hold the button.
Video playback
Country codes
Only DVDs with the code of the home region
can be played back; also refer to the informa‐
tion on the DVD.
CodeRegion1USA, Canada2Japan, Europe, Middle East, South Af‐
rica3Southeast Asia4Australia, Central and South America,
New Zealand5Northwest Asia, North Africa6China0All regionsPlayback
The video image is displayed on the Control
Display up to a speed of approx. 2 mph/3 km/h;
in some countries, it is only displayed while the
parking brake is set or the automatic transmis‐
sion is in position P.
DVD video1."CD/Multimedia"2."CD/DVD"3.Select a DVD with video content.4. "DVD menu"5.Start the DVD via the DVD menu.
Video menu
To open the video menu: turn the controller
during playback.
Press the controller when "Back" is displayed.
SymbolFunction Open DVD menu Starting playback Pause Stop Next chapter Previous chapter Fast forward ReverseSeite 172EntertainmentCD/multimedia172
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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.◀
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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.
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CareVehicle equipmentThis 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.
Car washes
Notes Steam jets or high-pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure
washers, hold them a sufficient distance away
and use a maximum temperature of
140 ℉/60 ℃.
Holding them too close or using excessively
high pressures or temperatures can cause
damage or preliminary damage that may then lead to long-term damage.
Follow the operating instructions for the high-
pressure washer.◀
Cleaning sensors/cameras with high-
pressure washers
When using high-pressure washers, do not
spray the seals of the retractable hardtop and
the exterior sensors and cameras, for Park Dis‐
tance Control, for instance, for extended peri‐
ods of time and only from a distance of at least
12 in/30 cm.◀
Regularly remove foreign bodies, such as
leaves, from the area below the windshield when the hood is open.
Wash your vehicle frequently, particularly in
winter.Intense soiling and road salt can damage the
vehicle.
Washing in automatic car washes Give preference to cloth car washes or those
that use soft brushes in order to avoid paint damage.
Notes Note the following:▷Make sure that the wheels and tires are not
damaged by the transport mechanisms.▷Fold in the exterior mirrors; otherwise, they
may be damaged, depending on the width
of the vehicle.▷Deactivate the rain sensor, refer to
page 62, to avoid unintentional wiper acti‐
vation.▷Unscrew the road antenna.
Guide rails in car washes
Avoid car washes with guide rails higher
than 4 in/10 cm; otherwise, the vehicle body
could be damaged.◀
Before driving into a car wash The vehicle is able to roll if the following steps
are taken.
Manual transmission
1.Shift to neutral.2.Release the parking brake, refer to
page 59.3.Switch the engine off.4.Leave the remote control in the ignition
lock.Seite 255CareMobility255
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Sport automatic transmission1.Insert the remote control into the ignition
lock, even with Comfort Access.2.Release the parking brake, refer to
page 59.3.Drive into the car wash.4.Engage transmission position N.5.Switch the engine off.6.Leave the remote control in the ignition
lock so that the vehicle can roll.
When starting the engine:
1.Depress the brake pedal.2.Press the Start/Stop button.
Transmission position P is engaged automati‐
cally:
▷Automatically after approx. 30 minutes.▷When the remote control is removed from
the ignition lock.
Headlamps
▷Do not rub dry and do not use abrasive or
caustic cleansers.▷Soak areas that have been soiled e.g. due
to insects, with shampoo and wash off with
water.▷Thaw ice with de-icing spray; do not use an
ice scraper.
Retractable hardtop
When you open a wet hardtop, water drops
may run into the cargo area. If necessary, re‐
move items from the cargo area beforehand to
avoid water stains or soiling.
After washing the vehicle
After washing the vehicle, apply the brakes
briefly to dry them; otherwise, braking action
can be reduced and corrosion of the brake
discs can occur.
Fully remove any residue from the windows to
prevent obstruction of view from streaking,
wiping noises, and wiper wear.
Vehicle careCar care productsBMW recommends using cleaning and care
products from BMW, since these have been
tested and approved.
Car care and cleaning products
Follow the instructions on the container.
When cleaning the interior, open the doors or
windows.
Only use products intended for cleaning vehi‐
cles.
Cleansers can contain substances that are
dangerous and harmful to your health.◀
Vehicle paint Regular care contributes to driving safety and
value retention. Environmental influences in
areas with high air pollution or natural contami‐
nants, such as tree resin or pollen, can have an
impact on the vehicle paint. Tailor the fre‐
quency and extent of your car care to these in‐
fluences.
Immediately remove aggressive substances,
such as spilled fuel, oil, grease, or bird drop‐
pings, to prevent damage to or discoloration of
the paintwork.
Leather care
Remove dust from the leather often, using a
cloth or vacuum cleaner.
Otherwise, particles of dust and road grime
chafe in pores and folds, and lead to increased
wear and premature degradation of the leather
surface.
To guard against discoloration, such as from
clothing, provide leather care roughly every
two months.Seite 256MobilityCare256
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