Reliable braking

Your BMW vehicle is equipped as standard with an ABS system. When circumstances require, brake forcefully by fully depressing the pedal. Since the vehicle retains steerability, you can calmly steer around obstacles in your path.

Pulsation of the brake pedal combined with the noise produced by the hydraulic system indicates to the driver that braking is being controlled by ABS.

In Wet Weather

In wet weather or heavy rain, it is advisable to lightly apply the brake pedal from time to time. Make sure your actions do not create hazards for other road users. Heat generated during braking will dry the brake discs and pads so they respond without delay when needed.

Driving Downhill

To prevent overheating and loss of braking efficiency on long or steep downhill grades, select a gear in which you will need to brake least often. Even light but prolonged pressure on the brake pedal can cause severe heating and wear of the brake mechanisms, up to and including brake system failure.◄

By shifting to a lower gear (down to first), you can increase the engine braking effect. This relieves the brakes of excessive load. See Manual Control of the Automatic Transmission.

Never drive with the clutch depressed, with the gear selector lever in neutral and with the engine switched off. In neutral there is no direct connection to the engine, and with the engine off the brake and steering power assist systems do not operate.

There must be no floor mats or other objects near the brake and accelerator pedals that could interfere with their movement.◄

Brake Disc Corrosion

Intensive use of disc brakes promotes self-cleaning. Therefore, low mileage, long periods of standing and light brake use create favorable conditions for corrosion of the brake discs and contamination of the brake pads.

When braking, corroded discs cause vibration, which often cannot be eliminated even by prolonged pressure on the brake pedal.