General driving rules

Tailgate

To prevent exhaust gases from entering the vehicle interior, always drive with the luggage compartment lid fully closed.◄

If you must drive with the tailgate open:

1. Close all windows and the sunroof.

2. Significantly increase the air supply with the climate control or 97.

Exhaust system heat

All vehicles with a catalytic converter have areas of high heat. Do not remove or coat with underbody protection the heat shields fitted to the exhaust system.

Make sure that the hot exhaust system does not come into contact with flammable materials (hay, dry leaves, etc.). Otherwise there is a risk of fire, which may result in serious personal injury or property damage.◄

Mobile phones in the vehicle

BMW does not recommend using mobile communication devices, such as cell phones, inside the vehicle unless they are connected to an external antenna, as the vehicle's electrical system and the mobile communication devices may then interfere with each other.

In addition, the vehicle body may block the radiation emitted by the device.◄

Interior and Exterior Mirrors with Automatic Dimming

Automatic dimming of the rearview mirrors is controlled by two photocells built into the interior mirror. One photocell is located in the mirror glass, and the other is on its rear side, slightly to the side.

For this function to work properly, do not cover the photo sensors (including with stickers or decals) and keep them clean.

Hydroplaning

When driving on wet or dirty roads, reduce speed, as a water wedge may form between the tires and the road surface. This effect, known as "aquaplaning", can lead to partial or complete loss of contact with the road surface, resulting in loss of vehicle control and making braking impossible.◄

The risk of aquaplaning increases as the tires wear. See also the section "Minimum tread depth".

Water crossings

The vehicle can drive through water up to 30 cm deep. At this depth, drive at walking pace, as otherwise damage to the engine, electrical system and transmission cannot be ruled out.◄

Applying the parking brake on inclines

When stopped on an incline, do not hold the vehicle in place by slipping the clutch. Use the parking brake for this purpose. Clutch slipping causes rapid clutch wear.◄

Vehicles with SMG transmission

When starting on an uphill grade, move off briskly. On a downhill grade, hold the vehicle with the parking brake, not the accelerator.

Otherwise the gearbox may overheat.◄

Hill start assist on 525xi, 530xi

This system allows the vehicle to start moving on inclines without applying the parking brake.

1. Press the brake pedal to keep the vehicle from rolling back.
2. Release the brake pedal and immediately start moving quickly.

The hill start assist holds the vehicle from rolling back for 2 seconds after the brake pedal is released. A slight rollback may occur during this time when the vehicle is heavily loaded or towing a trailer. Start moving immediately after releasing the brake pedal, because after 2 seconds the hill start assist releases the vehicle and it will begin to roll back.◄

Reliable braking

Your BMW vehicle is equipped with ABS as standard. When circumstances require, brake firmly, fully depressing the pedal. Since the vehicle remains steerable, 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 under ABS control.

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 endanger other road users. The brake discs and pads will dry out from the heat generated during braking and will respond without delay when needed.

Driving Downhill

To avoid overheating and reduced brake effectiveness on long or steep descents, select a gear that minimizes the need to brake. Even light but sustained pressure on the pedal can cause severe heating and wear of the brake components, up to brake system failure.◄

By shifting to a lower gear manually (down to first gear), you can use engine braking. This relieves the brakes of excessive load.

Never drive with the clutch pedal depressed, with the gear selector in neutral, and especially not with the engine switched off. In neutral there is no positive connection to the engine, and with the engine off the brake and power steering boosters 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 standstill and light brake use create favorable conditions for corrosion of the brake discs and contamination of the brake pads.

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

When parked

Condensate forms in the air conditioner and drains under the vehicle. In this case, water under the vehicle is normal.

Before Entering a Car Wash

To avoid damage, fold in the exterior mirrors to reduce the vehicle's width.