Care. Vehicle washing

Care for the BMW 5 G30 begins with proper vehicle washing. From manual cleaning to the use of car washes, this chapter contains valuable information, for example on distances for high-pressure cleaners, material compatibility and behavior in car wash systems. Particularly important: fold in the exterior mirrors, deactivate the wipers and do not use guide rails over 10 cm. The return to driving readiness after the wash cycle is also described. In addition, tips are given on caring for headlights, removing road salt and drying the brakes after washing. For a clean vehicle without damage.

General

Regularly remove foreign objects, e.g. leaves, from the area below the windshield with the hood open.

Wash the vehicle more often, especially in winter. Heavy soiling and road salt can cause damage to the vehicle.

Steam jets and high-pressure cleaners

Safety information

NOTICE When cleaning with high-pressure cleaners, excessive pressure or excessive temperatures can damage various components.

There is a risk of property damage.

Keep a sufficient distance and do not spray for extended periods. Observe the operating instructions for the high-pressure cleaner.

Distances and temperature

• Maximum temperature: 60 °C.
• Minimum distance to sensors, cameras and seals: 30 cm.
• Minimum distance to the glass roof: 80 cm.

Automatic car washes or drive-through washes

Safety information

NOTICE Improper use of automatic car washes or drive-through washes can cause damage to the vehicle.

There is a risk of property damage. Observe the following notes:

• Prefer textile car washes or systems with soft brushes to avoid paint damage.
• Avoid car washes or drive-through washes with guide rails higher than 10 cm to prevent body damage.
• Observe the maximum tire width of the guide rail to prevent damage to tires and rims.
• Fold in the exterior mirrors to prevent damage to the exterior mirrors.
• Deactivate the wipers and, if equipped, the rain sensor to prevent damage to the wiper system.

Entering a drive-through car wash

To allow the vehicle to roll through a drive-through car wash, follow these steps:

Manual transmission

1. 1
   Drive into the car wash.
2. 2
   Shift to neutral.
3. 3
   Switch off ready-to-drive mode by pressing the START/STOP button.

Steptronic transmission

1. 1
   Drive into the car wash.
2. 2
   Shift the selector lever to position N.
3. 3
   Deactivate Automatic Hold.
4. 4
   Release the parking brake.
5. 5
   Switch off ready-to-drive mode by pressing the START/STOP button.

In this way, the ready state remains switched on and a Check Control message is displayed.

NOTICE Selector lever position P is engaged automatically when ready-to-drive mode is switched off. There is a risk of property damage. Do not switch off ready-to-drive mode in car washes

In some car washes, the driver must leave the vehicle. Locking the vehicle from outside with the selector lever in position N is not possible. A signal sounds when attempting to lock the vehicle.

Exiting a drive-through car wash

To switch on ready-to-drive mode, follow these steps:

Manual transmission

1. 1
   Make sure the remote control is inside the vehicle.
2. 2
   Depress the clutch pedal.
3. 3
   Press the Start/Stop button.

Steptronic transmission

1. 1
   Make sure the remote control is inside the vehicle.
2. 2
   Depress the brake pedal.
3. 3
   Press the Start/Stop button.

Pressing the START/STOP button without depressing the brake pedal switches off ready-to-drive mode.

Selector lever position

Selector lever position P is engaged automatically:

• When ready-to-drive mode is switched off.
• After approx. 35 minutes.

Headlights

Do not rub the headlights dry and do not use abrasive or caustic cleaning agents.

Soak contamination, e.g. insects, with shampoo and rinse off with water.

Thaw ice with de-icing spray; do not use ice scrapers.

After washing the vehicle

After washing the vehicle, briefly apply the brakes to dry them, otherwise braking performance may be temporarily reduced. The heat generated when braking dries the brake discs and brake pads and protects them against corrosion.

Remove all residue from the windows to avoid impaired visibility caused by streaking and to reduce wiper noise and wiper blade wear.

A clean vehicle is not only a matter of appearance but also of preserving value. The BMW 5 Sedan (VII generation) emphasizes this with clear guidance on proper vehicle washing. Whether by hand or in a car wash, these tips help protect paint, sensors and technology over the long term.

The distance specifications for high-pressure cleaners and the guidance on choosing suitable car washes are particularly important. They prevent damage and show how closely comfort and responsibility are linked in this vehicle.

The BMW 5 Series thus stands for care concepts that combine state-of-the-art technology with sustainable vehicle use.