Drive with confidence and care in your BMW 2010-5 Series by following these essential tips: obey traffic laws, maintain your vehicle, drive smoothly, use seat belts, monitor tire and engine, maintain safe distance, adapt to weather and road conditions, heed warning signals, and trust professional technicians for servicing.
Experience a seamless drive in your BMW 2010-5 Series by remembering these crucial points: abide by traffic regulations, prioritize regular maintenance, avoid sudden movements, use seat belts, keep an eye on tire pressure and engine oil, maintain a safe following distance, adjust to varying weather and road conditions, pay attention to warning indicators, and rely on professional technicians for servicing.
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to each other. To ensure that your vehicle continues to provide optimized economy of operation throughout an extended service life, we request that you devote careful attention to the following section.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at changing engine and driving speeds, however do not exceed 4,500 rpm or 100 mph/160 km/h.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the transmission’s kick down mode during these initial miles.
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 break-in period. Therefore, drive reservedly during the first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized contact and wear patterns between brake pads and rotors. Drive in a reserved manner during this break-in period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch is only at its optimized level after a distance driven of approx. 300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period, engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
Observe the break-in instructions again if components mentioned above must be replaced after subsequent driving operation.
Saving fuel
The fuel consumption of your vehicle depends on various factors. Through a few simple steps, your driving style, and regular maintenance, you can have a positive influence on your fuel consumption and environmental impact.
Removing unnecessary cargo
Additional weight increases fuel consumption.
Removing add-on parts after use
Remove unneeded auxiliary mirrors, roof or rear luggage racks after use. Add-on parts attached to the vehicle impede the aerodynamics and increase the fuel consumption.
Closing windows and glass sunroof
An open glass sunroof or open windows likewise increase the drag coefficient and therefore the fuel consumption.
Checking tire inflation pressures regularly
Check and correct the tire inflation pressure as needed at least twice a month and before long trips. An insufficient tire inflation pressure increases the rolling resistance and thus increases the fuel consumption and tire wear.
Driving off immediately
Do not allow the engine to warm up by leaving it running while the vehicle remains stationary. Instead, begin to drive at a moderate engine speed. This is the fastest way for the cold engine to reach its operating temperature.
Thinking ahead when driving
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking. To do so, maintain the appropriate distance from the vehicle in front of you. An anticipatory and smooth driving style reduces fuel consumption.
Avoiding high engine speeds
Use 1st gear only for starting off. Accelerate rapidly in 2nd gear and above. Avoid high engine speeds in doing so and shift into the next gear early. When you have reached the desired speed, shift into the highest possible gear and drive with the lowest possible engine speed while maintaining a constant vehicle speed.
In general: driving at a low engine speed reduces fuel consumption and minimizes wear.
Taking advantage of coasting
When approaching a red light, let off the gas and allow the vehicle to coast to a stop in the highest possible gear. On steep roadways, let off the gas and allow the vehicle to roll in the appropriate gear.
The flow of fuel is interrupted when coasting.
Switching off the engine during longer stops
Switch off the engine at longer stops such as traffic signals, railroad crossings, or in traffic jams. Even having the engine switched off for approx. 4 seconds results in fuel savings.
Switching off functions currently not required
Functions such as the cooling function of the automatic climate control, seat heating or rear window defroster draw large amounts of power and consume additional fuel. Their influence is particularly pronounced in city traffic and stop & go operation. For this reason, it is a good idea to switch these functions off when they are not really needed.
Having maintenance carried out
Have the vehicle serviced regularly in order to achieve the optimum economy and service life of your vehicle. BMW recommends having the maintenance performed by a BMW center. Also please pay attention to the BMW maintenance system.
General driving notes
Closing luggage compartment lid/tailgate
⚠ Operate the vehicle only when the luggage compartment lid/tailgate is completely closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes could enter the interior of the vehicle.
If it is absolutely necessary to drive with the luggage compartment lid open:
- Close all windows and the glass sunroof or panorama glass sunroof.
- Increase the air volume of the automatic climate control to a high level.
Hot exhaust system
⚠ As in all vehicles, extremely high temperatures are generated on the exhaust system. Do not remove the heat shields installed adjacent to it, and never apply undercoating to them. When driving, standing at idle and while parking take care to avoid possible contact between the hot exhaust system and any highly
flammable materials such as hay, leaves, grass, etc.
Such contact could lead to a fire, and with it the risk of serious property damage as well as personal injury. Do not touch hot exhaust tail pipes. Otherwise there is a risk of burns.
Hydroplaning
⚠ When driving on wet or slushy roads, reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge of water can form between tires and road surface. This phenomenon is referred to as hydroplaning, and is characterized by a partial or
complete loss of contact between the tires and the road surface, ultimately undermining your ability to steer and brake the vehicle. The risk of hydroplaning increases as the tread depth of the tires decreases.
Driving through water
⚠ Do not drive through water on the road if it is deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the vehicle’s engine, the electrical systems and the transmission may be damaged.
Using parking brake on inclines
⚠ On inclines, do not hold the vehicle in place for a long time by riding the clutch; use the parking brake. Otherwise greater clutch wear will result.
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard feature. In situations that require it, it is best to brake with full force. Since the vehicle maintains steering responsiveness, you can still avoid possible obstacles with a minimum of steering effort. Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that ABS is in its active mode.
⚠ Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal. Even light but consistent pedal pressure can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and possibly even brake failure.
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain, briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to ensure that this maneuver does not endanger other road users. The heat generated in this process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure that full braking efficiency will then be available when you need it.
Hills
⚠ To prevent overheating and the resulting reduced efficiency of the brake system, drive long or steep downhill gradients in the gear in which the least braking is required. Even light but consistent pressure on the brake can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and possibly even brake failure.
The braking effect of the engine can be further increased by downshifting, if necessary all the way down into first gear. This strategy helps you avoid placing excessive loads on the brake system. For information on downshifting in the manual mode of the automatic transmission.
⚠ Do not drive with the clutch depressed, in idle or with the engine switched off, otherwise there will be no engine braking action or support of the braking force and steering. Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other objects to protrude into the area of movement of the pedals and impair their operation.
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally, during extended periods when the vehicle is not used at all, and in operating conditions where brake applications are less frequent, there is an increased tendency for corrosion to form on rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the brake pads. This occurs because the minimum pressure which must be exerted by the pads during brake applications to clean the rotors is not reached. Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating effect that even extended application will fail to cure.
When vehicle is parked
Condensation forms in the air conditioner system during operation, and then exits under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the vehicle are therefore normal.
Cargo loading
⚠ To avoid loading the tires beyond their approved carrying capacity, never overload the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over heating and increases the rate at which damage develops inside the tires. The ultimate result can assume the form of a sudden blow out.
⚠ Make sure that no fluids leak in the cargo bay; otherwise the vehicle could be damaged.
Determining loading limit
- Locate the following statement on your vehicle’s placard*:
⚠ The combined weight of occupant and cargo should never exceed XXX lbs. or YYY kg, as otherwise the vehicle may be damaged and unstable driving conditions may result.
- Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
- Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX lbs. or YYY kg.
- The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the XXX amount equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150-lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.: 1,400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 lbs.
- Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in step 4.
- If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of the load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult the manual for transporting a trailer to determine how this may reduce the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
Load
The permissible load is the total of the weight of occupants and cargo/luggage. The greater the
weight of occupants, the less cargo/luggage can be transported.
Stowing cargo
- Load heavy cargo as far forward and as low as possible, placing it directly behind the rear backrest.
- Cover sharp edges and corners.
- For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is not occupied, secure each safety belt in the opposite buckle.
- Do not pile objects higher than the top edge of the backrest.
- Sports Wagon: Use the partition net to protect the occupants. Make sure that objects cannot penetrate through the partition net. Wrap sharp-edged or pointed objects which could strike the rear window while driving.
Securing cargo
- Use the luggage net*, luggage straps, or securing straps to hold down small and lightweight luggage and cargo.
- Heavy-duty cargo straps* for securing larger and heavier objects are available at your BMW center. Four lashing eyes mounted in the cargo bay are used to secure these heavy-duty cargo straps, refer to illustration.
- Please observe the special instructions supplied with the heavy-duty cargo straps.
⚠ Position and secure the cargo as described above, so that it cannot endanger the vehicle’s occupants, for example if sudden braking or evasive maneuvers are necessary. Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle
weight or either of the approved axle loads, as excessive loads can pose a safety hazard, and may also place you in violation of traffic safety laws.
You should never transport unsecured heavy or hard objects in the passenger compartment, as they could fly around and pose a safety hazard to the vehicle’s occupants during abrupt braking or evasive maneuvers. Use only the lashing eyes pictured to fasten the heavy-duty cargo straps. Do not secure cargo with the upper attachment points for LATCH, you could damage them.
Roof-mounted luggage rack*
A special rack system is available as an option for your BMW. Please comply with the precautions included with the installation instructions.
Mounting points
The mounting points are located in the door openings or on the roof rails*.
Loading roof-mounted luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle’s center of gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on its handling and steering response. You should therefore always remember not to exceed the approved roof load capacity, the approved gross vehicle weight or the axle loads when loading the rack.
Distribute the roof load uniformly. The load must not be too large in area. Always stow the heaviest pieces on the bottom. Be sure that adequate clearance is maintained for raising the glass sunroof, and that objects do not project into the opening path of the luggage compartment lid/tailgate.
Secure roof-mounted cargo correctly and securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off during the trip. Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and braking maneuvers. Take corners gently.