Owner`s manual
Table Of Contents
- Notes on the Owner's Manual
- Symbols used
- The individual vehicle
- Status at time of printing
- For your own safety
- Symbol on vehicle parts
- REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
- Contents
- Cockpit
- Instrument cluster
- Instrument cluster*
- Indicator and warning lamps
- Multifunction steering wheel (MFL)
- Sports steering wheel*
- Hazard warning flashers
- Warning triangle*
- First-aid kit*
- Refueling
- Fuel specifications
- Tire inflation pressure
- Keys
- Electronic vehicle immobilizer
- Central locking system
- Opening and closing – from the outside
- Opening and closing – from the inside
- Luggage compartment lid/Tailgate
- Luggage compartment
- Alarm system
- Electric power windows
- Sliding/Tilt sunroof*
- Seat adjustment
- Electric power seat(s*)
- Mechanical seat
- BMW comfort seat*
- BMW sports seat*
- BMW active seat*
- Adjusting the steering wheel
- Mirrors
- Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory
- Car Memory, Key Memory
- Safety belts
- Airbags
- Transporting children safely
- Steering/Ignition lock
- Starting the engine
- Switching off the engine
- Parking brake
- Manual transmission
- Automatic transmission*
- Automatic transmission with Steptronic*
- Indicator/Headlamp flasher
- Wiper/Washer system
- Rear window defroster
- Cruise control
- Odometer, outside temperature display
- Tachometer
- Energy control
- Fuel gauge
- Coolant temperature gauge
- Service Interval Display
- Check Control
- Computer
- Multi-Information Display (MID)*
- Digital clock in the MID*
- Computer in the MID*
- Park Distance Control (PDC)*
- ASC+T/DSC*
- Tire Pressure Control (RDC)*
- Parking lamps/Low beams
- Instrument lighting
- High beams/Parking lamps
- Fog lamps
- Interior lamps
- Reading lamps
- Air conditioner
- Automatic climate control*
- Seat heating*
- Steering wheel heating*
- Roller sun blind*
- Independent ventilation*
- BMW Universal Transmitter*
- Glove compartment
- Storage facilities
- Cellular phone*
- Beverage holder*
- Ashtray, front
- Cigarette lighter*
- Ashtray, rear
- Through-loading system*
- Ski bag*
- Luggage compartment – sport wagon
- Cargo loading
- Roof-mounted luggage rack
- Break-in procedure
- Driving notes
- Catalytic converter
- Antilock Brake System (ABS)
- Disc brakes
- Brake system
- Winter operation
- Power steering
- Level control system*
- Cellular phone*
- Radio reception
- Tire inflation pressure
- Tire condition
- Tire replacement
- Tire rotation
- Wheel and tire combinations
- Winter tires
- Snow chains*
- Approved wheel and tire specifications – sedan
- Hood
- Engine compartment – BMW 525i, 530i
- Engine compartment – BMW 540i
- Washer fluids
- Washer nozzles
- Engine oil
- Coolant
- Brake fluid
- Vehicle Identification Number
- The BMW Maintenance System
- Caring for your car
- Airbags
- Vehicle storage
- Technical modifications
- California Proposition 65 Warning
- OBD interface socket
- Onboard tool kit
- Wiper blades
- Lamps and bulbs
- Changing a wheel
- Battery
- Fuses
- Fuel filler door
- Sliding/Tilt sunroof
- Tailgate
- Jump-starting
- Towing the vehicle
- Airbags
- ATC*
- ASC+T/DSC*
- Radio reception
- BMW active seat*
- Safety belt tensioner
- DSP sound system*
- Mirrors with automatic dimmer*
- Rain sensor*
- Tire Pressure Control (RDC)*
- Integrated rear suspension
- Level control system*
- Xenon lamps*
- Engine specifications
- Dimensions – sedan
- Dimensions – sport wagon
- Weights – sedan
- Weights – sport wagon
- Capacities
- Electrical system
- Drive belts
- Everything from A to Z
- Refueling
Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
145n
Disc brakes
Driving notes
When driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is effective to apply light
pressure to the brake pedal every few
miles (kilometers). Watch traffic condi-
tions to ensure that this maneuver does
not endanger other road users. The
heat which is generated by the brake
applications helps to dry the brake
pads and rotors.
Maximum braking force is obtained
while the wheels continue to rotate,
peaking when the wheels remain on the
verge of locking without actually doing
so. ABS maintains this state automati-
cally. If the ABS fails, you should revert
to the staggered braking technique
described below (refer to page 147).
Extended or steep mountain descents
should be driven in the gear in which
only minimal periodic brake applica-
tions is required. This avoids excessive
strain on the brakes and possible im-
pairment of the braking effect.
The braking effect of the engine can be
further increased by downshifting, into
first gear, if necessary. In the manual
mode of the automatic transmission,
you can also downshift into first gear.
Refer to page 76.
Should engine braking prove inade-
quate, you should still avoid extended,
continuous braking. Instead of main-
taining low to moderate pressure over
an extended period of time, you should
decelerate by applying more substantial
pressure to the brake pedal (watch for
following traffic!), then releasing the
pedal, then repeating the application.
This staggered braking technique
allows the brakes to cool in the intervals
between active braking phases,
preventing overheating and ensuring
that full braking capacity remains avail-
able at all times.
Do not coast with the clutch de-
pressed or with the transmission
or selector lever in Neutral. Do not
coast with the engine shut off. The
engine provides no braking effect when
the clutch is depressed or the transmis-
sion is in neutral, and there is no
power-assist for braking or steering
when the engine is not running.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any
other objects to protrude into the area
around the accelerator, clutch and
brake pedals and obstruct their move-
ment.<
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)*
If you apply the brakes rapidly, this
system automatically produces the
maximum braking force boost and thus
helps to achieve the shortest possible
braking distance during "panic stops."
All of the benefits of the ABS system
are exploited under these circum-
stances.
Do not reduce the pressure on the
brake pedal for the duration of the
brake application. When the brake
pedal is released, the DBC is deacti-
vated.
In the event of a malfunction, the yellow
warning lamp comes on. Conventional
braking efficiency is available without
limitations.
Have the system checked and repaired
at your BMW center as soon as possi-
ble.
For "Information for your safety"
covering the ABS system, refer to
page 144. This information also gener-
ally applies for DBC.<
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 155 420 - © 01/01 BMW Group