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Drivetrain
In this vehicle, particular attention is paid to the
direct connection from the engine to the drive‐
train. Due to the torsionally stiff design of the
drivetrain, as usual in a sports car, the trans‐
mission of the torque is can also be heard.
When there are load changes, it can therefore
cause clattering noises. They do not affect the
functioning or durability of the components.
Driving on a racing track
Requirements For driving on a racing track:▷Participation in a training course from
BMW Driving Experience.▷Check engine oil level and top up with en‐
gine oil as required.▷Have vehicle checked by a Service Partner
or a qualified specialist workshop.
Notes
Racing track operation causes increased wear. The vehicle is not designed for use in motor‐
sport competitions. This wear is not covered by the warranty.
The standard brake pads and the wear dis‐
plays are not designed for racing track opera‐
tion. Further information and advice are avail‐
able from a Service Partner or a qualified
specialist workshop.
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Driving precautionsVehicle equipmentThis chapter describes all standard, national
and special equipment provided in the model
series. Equipment not available in the vehicle is
therefore also described, for example the se‐
lected special equipment or national version.
This also applies to safety-relevant functions
and systems. Comply with the relevant na‐
tional regulations when using the correspond‐
ing functions and systems.
Running in General
Moving parts need a certain time to achieve
maximum operating efficiency as a unit.
The following information helps to achieve
maximum service life and efficiency of the ve‐
hicle.
Do not use Launch Control, see page 77, when
running in.
Engine, gearbox and differential
Up to 2000 km, 1200 miles Drive with alternating revolutions and speeds,
but do not exceed 5500 rpm and 170 km/h, ap‐ proximately 106 mph.
In principle, avoid full load or kick-down.
At 2000 km, 1200 miles
Have maintenance conduct a drive-in service.
From 2000 km, approximately
1200 miles to 5000 km, approximately
3100 miles
Revolutions and vehicle speed can gradually
be increased to a continuous speed of
220 km/h, approximately 137 mph.The maximum speed of 250 km/h, approxi‐
mately 155 mph is only to be used briefly, for
example when overtaking.
Tyres New tyres do not achieve their full road
grip immediately, for production reasons.
During the first 300 km, 200 miles, drive mod‐
erately.
Brake system
Brake pads and discs of the M compound
brakes only achieve a favourable wear and
contact pattern after approximately 500 km,
approximately 300 miles. Drive moderately
during this running-in period.
Brake discs and pads of the M carbon ceramic
brakes only achieve a favourable wear and
contact pattern after approx. 1000 km, approx.
600 miles. Drive moderately during this run‐
ning-in period.
Clutch
The clutch only begins to function optimally at
approximately 500 km, approximately
300 miles. Engage the clutch gently during this
running-in period.
After fitting new parts The same running-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 162Driving hintsDriving precautions162
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General driving information
Closing the boot lid WARNING
An open boot lid projects beyond the ve‐
hicle, and in the event of an accident, braking
or avoidance manoeuvres, it can endanger ve‐ hicle occupants and other road users, or dam‐
age the vehicle. There is also the danger of ex‐
haust fumes entering the interior of the
vehicle. Danger of injury or damage to prop‐
erty. Do not drive with the boot lid open.◀
If there is no alternative to driving with the tail‐
gate open:▷Close all windows and the Glass Roof.▷Turn up the blower to a high output level.▷Maintain moderate speed.
Hot exhaust system
WARNING
During driving, high temperatures can be
generated under the body, for example be‐
cause of the exhaust system. If flammable ma‐
terials, for example leaves of grass, come into
contact with hot parts of the exhaust system,
these materials can catch fire. Danger of injury
or damage to property.
Never remove the heat shields fitted here, or
apply underseal to them. Make sure that when driving, idling or parking, no flammable materi‐
als can come into contact with hot vehicle
parts. Do not touch the hot exhaust system.◀
Radio signals WARNING
Certain vehicle functions may be affec‐
ted by interference from high-frequency radio
signals. Such signals are output from a series
of transmission systems, for example, from air
traffic beacons or relay stations for mobile tele‐
communications.
We recommend you consult a Service Partner
or a qualified specialist workshop should you
experience any difficulties.◀
Mobile communication equipment WARNING
The vehicle's electronics and mobile
radio devices can interfere. The transmission
operation of mobile radio devices generates
radiation. Danger of injury or damage to prop‐
erty. If possible, only use mobile radio devices,
e.g. mobile telephones, in the interior with di‐
rect connection to an external antenna to ex‐
clude mutual interference and to dissipate the
radiation from the vehicle's interior.◀
Aquaplaning
On wet or slushy roads, a wedge of water can
form between the tyres and the road.
This situation, known as aquaplaning, means
that the tyre can actually lose contact com‐
pletely with the road surface and the vehicle
can neither be steered nor the brakes properly
applied.
Wading ATTENTION
Driving through excessively deep water
too fast can result in water entering the engine
compartment, electrical system or transmis‐
sion. Danger of damage to property. When
driving through water, do not exceed the maxi‐
mum specified water depth and maximum
fording speed.◀
Only if the water is calm and only up to a water
depth of max. 25 cm, approximately 9.8 inches
and at this depth drive no faster than walking
speed up to 5 km/h, approximately 3 mph.
Safe braking Your vehicle is equipped with ABS as standard.Seite 163Driving precautionsDriving hints163
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Applying the brakes fully is the most effective
way of braking in situations in which this is
necessary.
The vehicle can be steered. Any obstacles can
be avoided with steering wheel movements
that are as calm as possible.
A pulsing of the brake pedal shows that ABS is
regulating.
In certain braking situations, the perforated
brake disks can cause functional noise. How‐
ever, this has no effect on the efficiency and
operational safety of the brakes.
Objects in the range of movement of
the pedals and in the footwell
WARNING
Objects in the driver's footwell can re‐
strict the pedal travel, or block a pedal that has
been pressed. Danger of accidents. Stow
items in the vehicle so that they are secure and
cannot get into the driver's footwell. Only use
floor mats that have been categorised as ap‐
propriate for the vehicle and that can be fas‐
tened accordingly. Do not use any loose floor
mats, and do not place several floor mats on
top of one another. Make sure that there is suf‐
ficient space for the pedals. Ensure that the
floor mats are securely reattached after having
been removed, for example for cleaning.◀
Wet roads
In damp weather, if road grit has been spread
or there is heavy rain, apply the brakes lightly
every few kilometres/miles.
In doing so, do not obstruct other road users.
The resulting heat dries the brake discs and
pads.
The braking force will be available immediately
if needed.Downhill gradients
WARNING
Even slight, continuous pressure on the
brake pedal can cause overheating, brake pad
wear or even brake system failure. Danger of
accidents. Avoid excessive loads on the
brake.◀
WARNING
When idling or with the engine switched
off, safety-relevant functions are restricted or
no longer available, for example the braking ef‐
fect of the engine or power assistance for the
braking force and steering. Danger of acci‐
dents. Do not drive at idle speed or with the
engine switched off.◀
When driving on long or steep downhill
stretches, use the gear in which the least brak‐
ing is required. Otherwise the brake system
can overheat and braking action is reduced.
Manual gearbox:
The braking effect can be additionally in‐
creased by shifting down, even into first gear, if
applicable.
M double clutch transmission:
The braking action of the engine can be boos‐
ted further by shifting down in sequential
mode, see page 75.
Corrosion of the brake disc Corrosion of the brake discs and contamina‐
tion of the brake pads increase with the
following circumstances:▷Low mileage.▷Extended periods when the vehicle is not
used.▷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.
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Should corrosion form on the brake discs, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating ef‐
fect that generally cannot be corrected.
Condensate when vehicle is parked
When using the automatic air conditioning,
condensation water develops that exits under‐
neath the vehicle.
Traces of water on the ground are normal.
Ground clearance ATTENTION
If there is insufficient ground clearance,
the front or rear spoiler can touch the ground,
for example at curb edges or when driving into
underground car parks. Danger of damage to
property. Make sure that there is sufficient
ground clearance.◀
When driving down from kerb edges, select
the following program with the adaptive M sus‐
pension, see page 126, to keep the ground
clearance as uniform as possible: "Sport Plus"
M Driver's Package: driving in
maximum speed range
WARNING
At high speeds, damage to vehicle parts
can unfavourably influence driving properties.
These include tyres, underbody and parts for
improving aerodynamics. Danger of accidents.
Have damage rectified by a Service Partner or
a qualified specialist workshop. Do not drive at
high speed until the damage has been re‐
paired.◀Seite 165Driving precautionsDriving hints165
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LoadsVehicle equipment
This chapter describes all standard, national
and special equipment provided in the model
series. Equipment not available in the vehicle is
therefore also described, for example the se‐
lected special equipment or national version.
This also applies to safety-relevant functions
and systems. Comply with the relevant na‐
tional regulations when using the correspond‐
ing functions and systems.
Notes WARNING
A high gross vehicle weight can cause
the tyres to overheat, causing internal damage
and a sudden loss of tyre pressure. Danger of
accidents. Comply with the permitted load in‐
dex of the tyre, and do not exceed the permit‐
ted gross vehicle weight.◀
WARNING
If the permitted total weight and the per‐
mitted axle loads are exceeded, operational
safety of the vehicle is not ensured anymore.
Danger of accidents. Do not exceed the per‐
mitted total weight and permitted axle loads.◀
ATTENTION
Liquids in the boot can cause damage.
Danger of damage to property. Make sure that
no liquids leak out in the boot.◀
WARNING
Loose objects in the interior can be
thrown into the interior during the journey, for
example in an accident or during braking and
evasive manoeuvres. Danger of injury. Secure
loose objects in the interior.◀Stowing transported loads▷Wrap protective material around sharp cor‐
ners and edges of the load.▷Heavy transported load: stow as far for‐
ward and as low down as possible, ideally
directly behind the rear backrests.▷Very heavy transported load: with no pas‐
sengers on the back seat, insert both outer
seat belts into the respective opposite
buckles.▷Fully fold down the rear-seat backrest if
the load is to be stowed accordingly.▷Do not stack storage goods above the up‐
per edge of the backrests.
Securing transported loads
Lashing eyes in the boot
For securing the load four lashing eyes are in
the boot.
Floor net
For securing the load and for keeping small
parts, the floor net can also be used.
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Hang the floor net on the eyes in the boot floor.Securing transported loads WARNING
Incorrectly stowed objects can slip or be
thrown into the interior, for example in an acci‐
dent, during braking or evasive manoeuvres.
Vehicle occupants could be hit and injured.
Danger of injury. Stow and secure the objects
and the load correctly.◀
▷Smaller and lighter parts: with tensioning
straps, to secure the floor net or other suit‐
able straps.▷Relatively large and heavy objects: secure
with lashing straps.
Fasten tensioning straps of various kinds to
the lashing eyes in the boot.
Roof rack Note
Roof racks are available as special equipment.
Fastening Follow fitting instruction of the roof rack.
Roof strip with flaps
The mounting points are located on the roof
strip above the doors.
Fold the cover outwards.
Loads
A loaded roof rack alters the vehicle's road be‐
haviour and steering response by shifting its
centre of gravity.
When loading and driving, bear the following in
mind:
▷Do not exceed permitted roof and axle load
as well as the permitted gross weight.▷Make sure that there is sufficient space to
raise and open the Glass Roof.▷Distribute the roof load evenly.▷The roof load must not be spread over a
large area.▷Place heavy items of luggage at the bot‐
tom.▷Securely fasten roof rack, for example with
tensioning straps.▷Do not allow objects to protrude into the
swing range of the boot lid.▷Drive cautiously and avoid sudden acceler‐
ation, braking or cornering.Seite 167LoadsDriving hints167
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Saving fuelVehicle equipmentThis chapter describes all standard, national
and special equipment provided in the model
series. Equipment not available in the vehicle is
therefore also described, for example the se‐
lected special equipment or national version.
This also applies to safety-relevant functions
and systems. Comply with the relevant na‐
tional regulations when using the correspond‐
ing functions and systems.
General
Your vehicle contains wide-ranging technolo‐
gies for reducing consumption and emission
levels.
Fuel consumption depends on various factors.
A number of measures, such as a moderate
driving style and regular maintenance, can in‐
fluence fuel consumption and reduce burden
on environment.
Removing transported load that is not required
Extra weight increases fuel consumption.
Removing add-on parts after use
Remove auxiliary mirrors, roof racks and rear-
mounted racks after use.
Add-on parts on the vehicle interfere with its
aerodynamic performance and inflate fuel con‐
sumption.Closing windows and the
glass roof
An opened glass roof or opened window in‐
creases the drag coefficient and thus reduces
the range.
Tyres General Tyres can have differing effects on fuel con‐
sumption. For example, fuel consumption can
be affected by tyre size.
Checking tyre pressures regularly Check and, if necessary, correct tyre inflation
pressures at least twice a month and before
setting off on a longer journey.
Insufficient tyre inflation pressure enlarges the
rolling resistance and thus increases fuel con‐
sumption and tyre wear.
Setting off immediately Do not warm up the engine with the vehicle at
a standstill; it is preferable to set off straight
away, driving at moderate engine speeds.
This brings the cold engine to operating tem‐
perature as quickly as possible.
Driving with foresight
Avoid accelerating and braking unnecessarily.
Keep an appropriate distance from the preced‐
ing vehicle.
Anticipating the road situation and adopting a
smooth driving style will reduce fuel consump‐
tion.Seite 168Driving hintsSaving fuel168
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