DRIVING HINTS for your BMW 2 Series 2014-2021

DRIVING HINTS  
Driving precautions ................................................................................. 224  
Loads ......................................................................................................... 228  
Towing a trailer ........................................................................................ 232  
Saving fuel ................................................................................................ 238  
223  
Driving precautions  
DRIVING HINTS  
Driving precautions  
With petrol engines, 4500 rpm and 160 km/h,  
100 mph.  
Vehicle equipment  
With diesel engines, 3500 rpm and 150 km/h,  
93 mph.  
This chapter describes all standard, country-spe‐  
cific and special equipment available for the  
model series. It may therefore describe equip‐  
ment which is not installed in your vehicle, for ex‐  
ample on account of the optional equipment se‐  
lected or the country variant. This also applies to  
safety-relevant functions and systems. Please  
comply with the relevant laws and regulations  
when using the corresponding functions and  
systems.  
Generally avoid kick-down and driving under full  
load.  
From 2000 km, 1200 miles onwards  
Engine and road speeds can be gradually in‐  
creased.  
Tyres  
Due to the manufacturing process, new tyres do  
not achieve their full road grip immediately.  
Running in  
Drive moderately for the first 300 km, 200 miles.  
General  
Moving parts need to adjust to each other.  
Brake system  
Brake discs and pads only achieve their full ef‐  
fectiveness after approximately 500 km,  
300 miles. Drive moderately during this running-  
in period.  
The following notes will help to maximise the ve‐  
hicle's lifetime and efficiency.  
Do not use Launch Control when running in.  
Safety note  
Clutch  
The clutch only begins to function optimally at  
approximately 500 km, 300 miles. Engage the  
clutch gently during this running-in period.  
WARNING  
New parts and components can cause safety  
and Driver Assistance Systems to respond with  
a delay. There is a risk of accident. After new  
parts have been installed or if the vehicle is  
new, drive moderately and intervene in good  
time if necessary. Please comply with running-  
in procedures for the corresponding parts and  
components.  
After fitting new parts  
The same running-in procedures should be ob‐  
served if any of the components mentioned  
above have to be renewed in the course of the  
vehicle's operating life.  
Engine, gearbox and differential  
Up to 2000 km, 1200 miles  
Do not exceed the maximum engine revs and  
speed:  
224  
Driving precautions  
DRIVING HINTS  
Exhaust gas particle filter  
General driving information  
Principle  
Closing the boot lid  
Safety note  
The exhaust gas particle filter collects soot parti‐  
cles. The soot particles are burned at high tem‐  
peratures to clean the exhaust gas particle filter  
as necessary.  
WARNING  
General  
When open, the boot lid protrudes above the  
vehicle, and in the event of an accident, braking  
or evasive manoeuvres, it can endanger vehicle  
occupants and other road users, or damage the  
vehicle. There is also a danger of exhaust  
fumes entering the interior of the vehicle. There  
is a danger of injury or damage to property. Do  
not drive with the boot lid open.  
The cleaning process takes a few minutes, dur‐  
ing which the following may occur:  
The engine may temporarily run a little  
roughly.  
A slightly higher engine speed may be re‐  
quired to achieve the usual power output.  
There may be a small amount of smoke from  
the exhaust, even after stopping the engine.  
Driving with the boot lid open  
If there is no alternative to driving with the tail‐  
gate open:  
Noise, for example caused by the radiator fan  
running, may be heard, even some minutes  
after stopping the engine.  
Close all the windows and the Glass Roof.  
Adjust the blower to a high setting.  
Maintain a moderate speed.  
It is normal for the radiator fan to keep running  
for several minutes, even after short trips.  
Petrol engine: Cleaning the exhaust  
gas particle filter while driving  
Various driver profiles ensure that the exhaust  
gas particle filter is self-cleaning. If, in addition to  
the self-cleaning function, the exhaust gas parti‐  
cle filter needs to be actively cleaned while driv‐  
ing, a Check Control message is displayed.  
Hot exhaust system  
WARNING  
During vehicle operation, high temperatures  
may occur under the vehicle body, for example  
due to the exhaust system. If flammable materi‐  
als, for example leaves or grass, come into con‐  
tact with hot parts of the exhaust system, these  
materials can catch fire. There is a danger of in‐  
jury or damage to property. Never remove the  
heat shields fitted here or apply underseal to  
them. Make sure that when driving, idling or  
parking, no flammable materials can come into  
contact with hot vehicle parts. Do not touch the  
hot exhaust system.  
Proceed as follows the next time you drive out‐  
side of built-up areas for around 30 minutes:  
Deactivate cruise Control systems.  
Take your foot off the accelerator repeatedly  
and allow the vehicle to roll in overrun mode,  
see page 239.  
If possible, drive at alternating speeds.  
225  
Driving precautions  
DRIVING HINTS  
Drive through water only if it is not deeper  
Radio signals  
than a maximum of 25 cm, 9.8 in.  
Drive through water at a walking speed of no  
more than 5 km/h, 3 mph.  
WARNING  
Certain vehicle functions may be affected by in‐  
terference from high-frequency radio signals.  
Such signals originate from various transmitter  
systems, for example from air traffic beacons or  
relay stations for mobile telecommunications.  
Safety note  
NOTE  
Driving through excessively deep water too fast  
can result in water entering the engine com‐  
partment, electrical system or transmission.  
There is a risk of material damage. When driv‐  
ing through water, do not exceed the maximum  
water depth and speed specified above.  
We recommend you consult a Service Partner  
should you experience any difficulties in this re‐  
gard.  
Mobile communication in the  
vehicle  
Safe braking  
WARNING  
There is a possibility of reciprocal interference  
between the vehicle electronics and mobile  
radio devices. Radiation is generated when mo‐  
bile radio devices are transmitting. There is a  
danger of injury or damage to property. If possi‐  
ble, only use mobile radio devices, for example  
mobile telephones, in the interior if they are  
connected directly to an external antenna in or‐  
der to eliminate reciprocal interference and to  
dissipate the radiation from vehicle's interior.  
General  
The vehicle is equipped with ABS as standard.  
Perform full braking in situations that require it.  
The vehicle remains steerable. Any obstacles  
can be avoided by performing steering move‐  
ments as smoothly as possible.  
A pulsing of the brake pedal and hydraulic regu‐  
lating sounds indicate that ABS is functioning.  
In certain braking situations, the perforated brake  
discs can cause functional noise. Functional  
noises have no effect on the efficiency and op‐  
erational safety of the brakes.  
Aquaplaning  
On wet or slushy roads, a wedge of water can  
form between the tyres and the road.  
Objects in the range of movement of  
the pedals and in the footwell  
This situation, known as aquaplaning, means that  
the tyre can actually lose contact completely with  
the road surface and the vehicle can neither be  
steered, nor the brakes properly applied.  
WARNING  
Objects in the driver's footwell can restrict the  
pedal travel or block a pedal that has been  
pressed. There is a risk of accident. Stow items  
in the vehicle so that they are secure and can‐  
not get into the driver's footwell. Only use floor  
mats that are suitable for the vehicle and can  
be securely fastened to the floor. Do not use  
loose floor mats, and do not place several floor  
Driving through water  
General  
Please comply with the following when driving  
through water:  
Only drive through still water.  
226  
Driving precautions  
DRIVING HINTS  
mats on top of one another. Make sure that  
there is sufficient space for the pedals. Ensure  
that floor mats are securely reattached after  
having been removed, for example for cleaning.  
ing force and steering. There is a risk of acci‐  
dent. Do not drive at idle speed or with the en‐  
gine switched off.  
Corrosion of the brake discs  
Wet roads  
Corrosion of the brake discs and contamination  
of the brake pads increase in the following cir‐  
cumstances:  
In damp weather, on gritted roads and in heavy  
rain, apply the brakes lightly every few kilome‐  
tres/miles.  
Low mileage.  
Ensure that you do not obstruct other road users  
when doing so.  
Extended periods when the vehicle is not  
used.  
The heat generated by braking dries the brake  
discs and brake pads and protects them against  
corrosion.  
Infrequent use of the brakes.  
Aggressive, acidic or alkaline cleaning agents.  
During braking, corroded brake discs may cause  
brake judder which usually cannot be eliminated.  
This way, brake power is available immediately,  
whenever it is needed.  
Condensation when vehicle is  
parked  
When the automatic air conditioning is in opera‐  
tion, condensation develops and exits under‐  
neath the vehicle.  
Downhill gradients  
General  
When driving on long or steep downhill  
stretches, use the gear in which the least braking  
is required. Otherwise the brake system can  
overheat and the braking effect is reduced.  
Driving on a racing track  
Engine braking effect can be additionally in‐  
creased by manually shifting down, even into first  
gear, if applicable.  
The higher mechanical and thermal loads in‐  
volved in driving on racing tracks lead to in‐  
creased wear. This wear is not covered by the  
warranty. The vehicle is not conceived for use in  
motor sports competitions.  
Safety notes  
WARNING  
Before and after driving on a racing track, have  
the vehicle checked at a Service Partner of the  
manufacturer or another qualified Service Partner  
or a specialist workshop.  
Even slight continuous pressure on the brake  
pedal can cause overheating, brake pad wear or  
even brake system failure. There is a risk of ac‐  
cident. Avoid excessive loads on the brake.  
WARNING  
When idling or with the engine switched off,  
safety-relevant functions are restricted or no  
longer available, for example the braking effect  
of the engine or power assistance for the brak‐  
227  
Loads  
DRIVING HINTS  
Loads  
Vehicle equipment  
WARNING  
Loose objects or devices connected by a cable  
to the vehicle, for example mobile telephones,  
may be thrown around the interior during the  
journey, for example in the event of an accident  
or when braking or carrying out evasive ma‐  
noeuvres. There is a danger of injury. Ensure  
that loose objects or devices connected by ca‐  
ble to the vehicle are secured in place in the in‐  
terior.  
This chapter describes all standard, country-spe‐  
cific and special equipment available for the  
model series. It may therefore describe equip‐  
ment which is not installed in your vehicle, for ex‐  
ample on account of the optional equipment se‐  
lected or the country variant. This also applies to  
safety-relevant functions and systems. Please  
comply with the relevant laws and regulations  
when using the corresponding functions and  
systems.  
WARNING  
Safety notes  
Incorrectly stowed objects may slip or be flung  
into the interior, for example in the event of an  
accident or when braking or carrying out eva‐  
sive manoeuvres. Vehicle occupants could be  
struck and injured. There is a danger of injury.  
Stow and secure objects and the load correctly.  
WARNING  
A high gross vehicle weight can make the tyres  
overheat, causing internal damage and a sud‐  
den loss of tyre inflation pressure. Handling  
characteristics may be adversely affected, for  
example reduced directional stability, longer  
braking distance and modified steering charac‐  
teristics. There is a risk of accident. Please  
comply with the permitted load index of the  
tyre, and do not exceed the permitted gross ve‐  
hicle weight.  
NOTE  
Liquids in the boot may cause damage. There  
is a risk of material damage. Ensure that no liq‐  
uids leak out into the boot.  
Stowing and securing loads  
in the vehicle  
WARNING  
If the permitted total weight and the permitted  
axle loads are exceeded, the operational safety  
of the vehicle is no longer guaranteed. There is  
a risk of accident. Do not exceed the permitted  
total weight and permitted axle loads.  
Wrap protective material around any sharp  
corners and edges on the load.  
Heavy loads: stow as far forward and as low  
down as possible, ideally directly behind the  
rear backrests.  
Very heavy transported loads: if there are no  
passengers on the back seat, insert both  
228  
Loads  
DRIVING HINTS  
outer seat belts into the respective opposite  
buckles.  
Fully fold down the rear backrests if a large  
load is to be stowed.  
Do not stack load items above the upper  
edge of the backrests.  
Smaller and light transported load: secure  
with tensioning straps, the floor net or other  
suitable straps.  
Hang the floor net on the eyes in the boot floor.  
Large and heavy loads: secure with lashing  
straps.  
Roof rack  
Lashing eyes in the boot  
General  
Roof racks are available as special equipment.  
Safety note  
WARNING  
When driving with a roof load, for example with  
a roof rack, the higher centre of gravity can  
mean that driving safety is no longer guaran‐  
teed in critical driving situations. There is a dan‐  
ger of accidents or damage to property. Do not  
deactivate Dynamic Stability Control DSC when  
driving with a roof load.  
For securing the load two or four lashing eyes  
are in the boot.  
Load-securing equipment, for example lashing  
straps, tensioning straps or luggage nets, must  
be secured to the lashing eyes in the boot.  
Fastening  
Follow the installation instructions for the roof  
rack.  
Floor net  
The floor net can also be used for securing the  
load.  
229  
Loads  
DRIVING HINTS  
Roof strip with flaps  
Rear luggage rack  
Principle  
The ball linkage of the trailer tow hitch can be  
used as a mount for rear luggage racks; for ex‐  
ample bicycle rack systems.  
General  
Rear luggage racks are available as special  
equipment.  
The mounting points are located on the roof strip  
above the doors.  
Bicycle rack systems for up to three bicycles can  
be used.  
Fold the cover outwards.  
Fastening  
Follow the installation instructions for the rear  
luggage rack.  
Loads  
A loaded roof rack alters the vehicle's road be‐  
haviour and steering response by shifting its cen‐  
tre of gravity.  
Power consumption  
Before beginning your journey, check the func‐  
tion of the trailer rear lights.  
When loading and driving, bear the following in  
mind:  
Do not exceed the permitted roof and axle  
loads or the permitted gross weight.  
The power output of the trailer's rear lights must  
not exceed the following values:  
Make sure that there is sufficient space to  
raise and open the Glass Roof.  
Turn indicators: 42 watt per side.  
Tail lights: 50 watt per side.  
Brake lights: 84 watt total.  
Distribute the roof load evenly.  
The roof load must not be spread over a large  
area.  
Rear fog lights: 42 watt total.  
Reversing lights: 42 watt total.  
Place heavy items of luggage at the bottom.  
To save vehicle battery power when the engine  
is off, keep the switch-on times of power con‐  
sumers short.  
Securely fasten the luggage, for example with  
tensioning straps.  
Do not allow objects to protrude into the  
swing range of the boot lid.  
Drive cautiously and avoid sudden accelera‐  
tion, braking or cornering.  
230  
Loads  
DRIVING HINTS  
Loads  
The permitted gross weight of the rear luggage  
rack when loaded depends on how far its centre  
of gravity is from the ball linkage.  
If the centre of gravity is up to 30 cm, 11.8 in  
from the ball linkage, the gross weight of the  
rear luggage rack must not exceed  
75 kg/165 lbs.  
If the centre of gravity is 60 cm, 23.5 in from  
the ball linkage, the gross weight of the rear  
luggage rack must not exceed 35 kg/77 lbs.  
Stow heavy loads as close as possible to the  
ball linkage.  
Fasten loads securely to the rear luggage  
rack and secure them against sliding around.  
Driving with a rear luggage rack  
When laden, the rear luggage rack alters the ve‐  
hicle's handling and steering response due to the  
centre of gravity having been shifted.  
When loading and driving, bear the following in  
mind:  
Do not exceed the permitted axle load or the  
permitted gross weight.  
Drive smoothly and avoid sudden accelera‐  
tion and braking or fast cornering.  
231  
Towing a trailer  
DRIVING HINTS  
Towing a trailer  
carrying device, such as, for example, a bicycle  
carrying rack.  
Vehicle equipment  
As all BMW Group towbar assemblies are de‐  
signed, tested and approved as a single unit, the  
practice of modifying or replacing the BMW sup‐  
plied towball mount assembly is not approved.  
Use only the genuine BMW towball mount as‐  
sembly.  
This chapter describes all standard, country-spe‐  
cific and special equipment available for the  
model series. It may therefore describe equip‐  
ment which is not installed in your vehicle, for ex‐  
ample on account of the optional equipment se‐  
lected or the country variant. This also applies to  
safety-relevant functions and systems. Please  
comply with the relevant laws and regulations  
when using the corresponding functions and  
systems.  
BMW Group Australia does not recommend or  
support the installation and use of a Weight Dis‐  
tribution Hitch or Load Levelling Device on any  
BMW Group vehicle. The use of such devices  
may affect the vehicle’s warranty status.  
We recommend you consult your Authorised  
BMW Dealer for any further advice or clarifica‐  
tion.  
General  
The permitted trailer loads, axle loads, trailer  
nose weights and gross vehicle weight rating are  
specified in the technical data.  
Before a journey  
Possibilities to increase are known to a Service  
Partner of the manufacturer or another qualified  
Service Partner or a specialist workshop.  
Trailer nose weight  
The trailer nose weight should not be less than  
the minimum trailer nose weight of 25 kg, 55 lb.  
Utilise the maximum trailer nose weight as far as  
possible.  
The vehicle is equipped with reinforced springs  
on the rear axle and, depending on the type, with  
a more powerful cooling system.  
The weight of the trailer tow hitch and the nose  
weight reduce the maximum load of the towing  
vehicle. The nose weight increases the vehicle  
weight. The total permitted weight of the towing  
vehicle must not be exceeded.  
For Australia/New Zealand:  
note  
Towing  
Loads  
The Australian/New Zealand Standards AS  
4177.1-2004 Caravan and light Towing a trailer  
components – trailer tow hitches and towing  
brackets contains the following statement, which  
is hereby accepted by the BMW Group Australia:  
FOR TOWING ONLY. The towbar supplied with  
your BMW vehicle should only be used for tow‐  
ing purposes, the towbar assembly should not be  
used in conjunction with any towbar-mounted  
Distribute the load as evenly as possible over the  
loading area.  
Stow the load as low as possible and as close as  
possible to the trailer axle. A low centre of trailer  
gravity makes the car/trailer combination much  
more stable and safe to drive.  
The permitted total weight of the trailer and the  
permitted trailer load of the vehicle must not be  
232  
Towing a trailer  
DRIVING HINTS  
exceeded. The lower value is the limit which  
should be adhered to.  
Towing a trailer  
General  
Tyre inflation pressure  
When the trailer socket is in use, some Driver As‐  
sistance Systems are unavailable, or available to  
a limited extent. A Check Control message is  
shown where applicable.  
Check the vehicle's and the trailer's tyre inflation  
pressures carefully.  
On the vehicle, the tyre inflation pressure, see  
page 256, for higher loads applies.  
For the trailer, the regulations of the manufac‐  
turer apply.  
Safety notes  
WARNING  
Runflat indicator RPA  
Speeds in excess of approximately 80 km/h,  
50 mph, can be enough to produce snaking  
motion, depending on the design of trailers and  
the loads they are carrying. There is a danger of  
accidents or damage to property.  
Initialise the runflat indicator after the tyre infla‐  
tion pressure has been corrected or a trailer has  
been attached or detached.  
Tyre Pressure Monitor TPM  
Reset the Tyre Pressure Monitor after the tyre  
inflation pressure has been corrected or a trailer  
has been attached or detached.  
Keep to an appropriate speed when towing a  
trailer. If the trailer starts to snake, brake imme‐  
diately and make the necessary steering cor‐  
rections as carefully as possible.  
Exterior mirror  
Two exterior mirrors which bring both rear cor‐  
ners of the trailer into your field of view are re‐  
quired by law. Mirrors of this type are available as  
special equipment from a Service Partner of the  
manufacturer or another qualified Service Partner  
or a specialist workshop.  
WARNING  
The tyre inflation pressure must be adapted  
because of the increased axle load when tow‐  
ing a trailer. Driving with inadequate tyre infla‐  
tion pressure can damage the tyres. There is a  
danger of accidents or damage to property. Do  
not exceed a speed of 100 km/h / 60 mph. In‐  
crease the tyre inflation pressure of the towing  
vehicle by 0.2 bar. Note the maximum possible  
tyre inflation pressure stated on the tyre.  
Power consumption  
Before beginning your journey, check the func‐  
tion of the trailer rear lights.  
The power output of the trailer's rear lights must  
not exceed the following values:  
Turn indicators: 42 watt per side.  
Tail lights: 50 watt per side.  
Brake lights: 84 watt total.  
NOTE  
On long journeys with high trailer loads, a high  
outside temperature and a low fuel tank con‐  
tent, the fuel system can overheat leading to  
reduced engine power. There is a risk of mate‐  
rial damage. Refuel in good time. Make sure  
that on long journeys with high trailer loads and  
Rear fog lights: 42 watt total.  
Reversing lights: 42 watt total.  
To save vehicle battery power when the engine  
is off, keep the switch-on times of power con‐  
sumers short.  
233  
Towing a trailer  
DRIVING HINTS  
a high outside temperature, the fuel tank is  
more than 1/4 full.  
System limits  
The system is unable to intervene or intervenes  
too late, in the following situations for example:  
If a trailer folds instantly, for example on slip‐  
pery or loose road surfaces.  
Upward gradients  
In the interest of safety and to avoid holding up  
other traffic, do not attempt to climb upward gra‐  
dients steeper than 12 % when towing a trailer.  
If a trailer with a high centre of gravity tips  
over before snaking is detected.  
If Dynamic Stability Control DSC is deactiva‐  
ted or has malfunctioned.  
If higher trailer loads have been retrospectively  
approved, the limit is 8%.  
If the power consumption of a trailer is too  
low to be detected by the system, for exam‐  
ple due to LED rear lights.  
Driving off on upward gradients  
To prevent the vehicle from rolling back when  
driving off, use the parking brake.  
Not for Australia/New  
Zealand: Trailer tow hitch  
with removable trailer ball  
Downhill gradients  
On downward gradients, a car/trailer combination  
tends to start snaking earlier.  
Before the downward gradient, shift down man‐  
ually to the next-lowest gear and drive down‐  
wards slowly.  
Safety notes  
WARNING  
Trailer Stability Control  
If the ball linkage is not locked, unstable driving  
conditions or accidents can result. There is a  
danger of accidents or damage to property. Be‐  
fore a journey with a trailer or load carrier, check  
that the ball linkage is correctly locked.  
Principle  
The system helps you to neutralise a trailer's  
tendency to swing from side to side.  
It detects snaking movements and promptly  
brakes the vehicle so that road speed falls to be‐  
low the critical range and the car / trailer combi‐  
nation is stabilised.  
WARNING  
When inserting the ball linkage, parts of the  
body can be trapped by the hand wheel. There  
is a danger of injury. When inserting the ball  
linkage, do not hold the ball linkage in area of  
hand wheel.  
General  
If the power socket for the trailer is in use but no  
trailer is attached, for example when using a bicy‐  
cle carrier with lighting, the system may become  
active in extreme driving situations.  
Operating requirements  
The system is operational from a speed of ap‐  
proximately 65 km/h, 40 mph, when towing a  
trailer and with the trailer socket in use.  
234  
Towing a trailer  
DRIVING HINTS  
Storage  
4
5
Handwheel  
Cover cap for lock or key  
Attaching ball linkage  
Before attaching  
Before fitting the ball linkage, the locking system  
must be prepared:  
1. If the key is not stopped in the lock, open the  
lock with the key.  
Ball linkage is located under boot floor.  
2. Pull the handwheel, arrow 1, and turn in di‐  
rection of arrow 2 as far as it will go.  
Ball linkage bracket  
The ball linkage can be inserted when the  
following points have been met:  
The bracket for the removable ball linkage is on  
the underside of the vehicle.  
Trigger lever is on the ball linkage.  
Follow the maintenance instructions, see  
page 303.  
Red marking of the handwheel is above the  
green area on the ball linkage.  
Overview  
Inserting ball linkage  
1. Pull the cover stopper of the take-up down‐  
wards and store in the vehicle.  
2. Insert the ball linkage from underneath in the  
take-up and push upwards until it engages.  
3. Lock the lock in the handwheel.  
4. Remove the key.  
5. Attach the cap to the lock.  
1
2
3
Marking green  
Red or green mark  
Trigger lever  
Checking the interlock  
Ensure that the ball linkage is properly engaged  
by shaking it.  
If the ball linkage is not fitted firmly, check the  
following points:  
235  
Towing a trailer  
DRIVING HINTS  
Green marking on the handwheel is above  
the green area of the ball linkage.  
Swivelling in and out  
The handwheel is flush with the ball linkage.  
The lock is locked and the key is removed.  
WARNING  
The socket for the trailer or rear luggage rack  
can heat up due to exhaust gases. There is a  
danger of injury. Allow the trailer socket to cool  
before swivelling out.  
Check with a Service Partner of the manufac‐  
turer or another qualified Service Partner or a  
specialist workshop if all points are met and the  
ball linkage is not firmly fitted.  
Removing ball linkage  
1. Remove cap from the lock.  
2. Insert key and unlock the lock in the hand‐  
wheel.  
The key is stopped with the lock unlocked.  
3. Hold ball linkage firmly.  
4. Pull the handwheel, arrow 1, and turn in di‐  
rection of arrow 2 as far as it will go.  
Swivel trailer socket in or out up to the end posi‐  
tion.  
Eye for securing cable  
5. Pull the ball linkage out of the bracket.  
6. Let go of the handwheel, the key remains in  
the lock.  
7. Attach the cap to the key.  
There is an eye on the trailer tow hitch bracket  
for attaching the trailer securing cable.  
8. Plug the cover stopper into the take-up.  
For increased safety when towing a trailer, attach  
the trailer securing cable to the eye.  
Trailer socket  
The trailer socket is underneath the bumper next  
to the ball linkage.  
Check that the securing cable can move freely  
and is not dragging on the ground.  
236  
Towing a trailer  
DRIVING HINTS  
Operating rear luggage  
racks  
The ball linkage of the trailer tow hitch can be  
used as a mount for rear luggage racks; for ex‐  
ample bicycle rack systems.  
Follow the information on rear luggage racks  
when operating the rear luggage rack, see  
page 230.  
237  
Saving fuel  
DRIVING HINTS  
Saving fuel  
Vehicle equipment  
Closing windows and the  
Glass Roof  
This chapter describes all standard, country-spe‐  
cific and special equipment available for the  
model series. It may therefore describe equip‐  
ment which is not installed in your vehicle, for ex‐  
ample on account of the optional equipment se‐  
lected or the country variant. This also applies to  
safety-relevant functions and systems. Please  
comply with the relevant laws and regulations  
when using the corresponding functions and  
systems.  
An open Glass Roof or open window increase  
drag and consequently reduce the range.  
Tyres  
General  
Tyres can have differing effects on consumption.  
For example consumption can be affected by  
tyre size.  
General  
Check tyre inflation pressure  
regularly  
Check and, if necessary, correct the tyre inflation  
pressures at least twice a month and before set‐  
ting off on a longer journey.  
The vehicle possesses wide-ranging technolo‐  
gies for reducing consumption and emission lev‐  
els.  
Fuel consumption depends on various factors.  
A number of measures, such as a moderate driv‐  
ing style and regular maintenance, can influence  
fuel consumption and reduce the burden on the  
environment.  
Insufficient tyre inflation pressure increases roll‐  
ing resistance and consequently fuel consump‐  
tion and tyre wear.  
Drive off immediately  
Remove unnecessary loads  
Do not warm up the engine with the vehicle at a  
standstill; it is preferable to set off straight away,  
driving at moderate engine speeds.  
Extra weight increases fuel consumption.  
This brings the cold engine up to operating tem‐  
perature as quickly as possible.  
Remove add-on parts after  
use  
If no longer required, remove auxiliary mirrors,  
roof racks and rear-mounted racks after use.  
Think ahead  
Add-on parts on the vehicle interfere with its aer‐  
odynamic performance and increase fuel con‐  
sumption.  
Anticipating the road situation and adopting a  
smooth driving style will reduce fuel consump‐  
tion.  
Avoid accelerating and braking unnecessarily.  
238  
Saving fuel  
DRIVING HINTS  
Keep an appropriate distance from the vehicle  
ahead.  
Switch off functions which  
are not currently required  
Functions such as seat heating or rear window  
heating require a great deal of energy and re‐  
duce the range, especially in city traffic and stop-  
and-go traffic.  
Avoid high engine speeds  
Driving at low engine speeds lowers fuel con‐  
sumption and wear.  
Switch these functions off if they are not re‐  
quired.  
Pay attention to the shift point indicator, see  
page 137, in the vehicle, if fitted.  
The ECO PRO drive mode supports energy-sav‐  
ing use of comfort functions. These functions are  
automatically deactivated wholly or partially.  
Make use of overrun mode  
When approaching a red traffic light, take your  
foot off the accelerator and allow the vehicle to  
roll.  
Have maintenance work  
carried out  
On downward stretches, take your foot off the  
accelerator and allow the vehicle to roll.  
Have the vehicle serviced regularly to achieve  
optimal economy and lifetime. BMW recom‐  
mends having maintenance work carried out by a  
BMW Service Partner.  
The fuel supply is interrupted in overrun mode.  
Switch off the engine if  
stopping for longer periods  
Please also see the BMW Maintenance System,  
see page 280.  
Stopping the engine  
When you stop the vehicle for longer periods, for  
example at traffic lights, railway crossings or in  
traffic jams, switch off the engine.  
ECO PRO  
Principle  
ECO PRO supports an efficient driving style. To  
do this, the engine management and comfort  
functions, such as for example the air condition‐  
ing power, are adjusted.  
Auto Start Stop function  
The Auto Start Stop function of the vehicle shuts  
off the engine automatically during a stop.  
The engine is disconnected from the gearbox in  
selector lever position D under certain circum‐  
stances. The vehicle rolls when idling to optimise  
consumption. Selector lever position D remains  
engaged.  
If the engine is switched off and then started  
again, the fuel consumption and emissions are  
reduced compared with a permanently running  
engine. Savings can be made just by stopping  
the engine for a few seconds.  
In addition, messages to help you to drive with  
maximum efficiency can also be displayed in real  
time.  
Fuel consumption also depends on other factors,  
such as driving style, road condition, mainte‐  
nance or environmental factors, for example.  
In the instrument cluster, the extension of the  
range achieved as a result can be displayed as a  
bonus range.  
239  
Saving fuel  
DRIVING HINTS  
4. "Configure ECO PRO"  
General  
The system comprises the following  
EfficientDynamics functions and  
EfficientDynamics displays:  
5. Select the desired setting.  
The setting is saved for the currently used pro‐  
file.  
ECO PRO bonus range, see page 241.  
Enabling/disabling functions  
The following functions can be activated / deacti‐  
vated:  
Activate/deactivate the display, see  
page 241.  
ECO PRO air conditioning, see page 240.  
Route-ahead assistant, see page 242.  
Coasting driving state, see page 243.  
Driving style analysis, see page 244.  
"ECO PRO limit"  
"ECO PRO climate control"  
"Coasting"  
"Route-ahead assistant"  
Overview  
The settings are saved for the current driver pro‐  
file.  
ECO PRO Limit  
Activate ECO PRO Limit:  
"ECO PRO limit":  
An ECO PRO tip is shown when the speed of  
the set ECO PRO limit is exceeded.  
Set the ECO PRO Limit speed:  
"Tip at:"  
Driving Experience Control  
Select the required speed.  
ECO PRO air conditioning  
"ECO PRO climate control"  
Activating ECO PRO  
Press the button until ECO PRO is dis‐  
played in the instrument cluster.  
The air conditioning is adjusted for efficient con‐  
sumption.  
To achieve this, the set temperature is adjusted  
slightly and the interior is heated or cooled more  
slowly to reduce consumption.  
Configuring ECO PRO  
Via the Driving Experience Control  
1. Activating ECO PRO.  
The power to the seat heating and mirror heating  
is also reduced.  
2. "Configure ECO PRO"  
Coasting  
3. Select the desired setting.  
The coasting function enables the engine to be  
operated at idle when decelerating in order to  
optimise consumption.  
Via iDrive  
1. "My Vehicle"  
Deactivate the function to use the braking effect  
of the engine when driving downhill.  
2. "Vehicle settings"  
3. If applicable, "Driving mode"  
240  
Saving fuel  
DRIVING HINTS  
on consumption, for example by accelerating  
less.  
ECO PRO saving potential  
The potential saving that can be achieved with  
the current configuration is shown as a percent‐  
age.  
Activating/deactivating the display  
Activate notes relating to the driving style and  
route-ahead assistant, as well as ECO PRO tips,  
in the instrument cluster using iDrive:  
Display in the instrument cluster  
ECO PRO bonus range  
1. "My Vehicle"  
An extension of range can be  
achieved due to adjusted driving  
style.  
2. "iDrive settings"  
3. "Displays"  
4. "Instrument cluster"  
5. "ECO PRO information"  
The range extension can be dis‐  
played as bonus range in the in‐  
strument cluster.  
ECO PRO tip, symbols  
An additional symbol and text instruction are  
shown.  
The bonus range is contained in the display of  
the range.  
After filling up, the bonus range is automatically  
reset.  
Symbol Measure  
For an efficient driving style, ease off  
the accelerator and decelerate in an  
anticipatory manner.  
ECO PRO efficiency display  
The efficiency of the driving style is indicated by  
the colour of the ECO PRO displays in the instru‐  
ment cluster:  
Reduce speed to the selected ECO  
PRO speed.  
Blue display: efficient driving style.  
Grey display: adjust driving style, for example,  
by easing off the accelerator.  
Steptronic transmission:  
Shift from M/S to D and avoid man‐  
ual changes.  
The colour changes to blue as soon as all the  
conditions for driving with optimised consump‐  
tion are met.  
Manual gearbox:  
Follow gearshift recommendation.  
Depending on the equipment, the ECO PRO dis‐  
play is also provide information about the current  
driving style. A pointer moves on a scale for this  
purpose. The pointer indicates whether energy is  
being consumed by acceleration, or energy is  
being recovered by rolling or braking. The driving  
style is efficient if the pointer on the scale is  
moving within the blue band.  
Manual gearbox:  
Engage neutral to stop engine.  
Display on the Control Display  
Displaying EfficientDynamics  
information  
The current operating method of the ECO PRO  
functions can be shown on the Control Display.  
ECO PRO tip, driving note  
The ECO PRO tip shows that the driving  
style can be adjusted to be more efficient  
241  
Saving fuel  
DRIVING HINTS  
Via iDrive:  
Route-ahead assistant  
Principle  
The system helps to save fuel and supports a  
precautionary driving style. Using the navigation  
data, certain sections of the route ahead can be  
detected early and information can be given. A  
corresponding tip is displayed.  
1. "My Vehicle"  
2. "Technology in action"  
3. "EfficientDynamics"  
4.  
Select the symbol.  
Following functions are displayed:  
Auto Start Stop function.  
Energy recuperation.  
Coasting.  
The recognised sections of the route, such as  
built-up areas or bends ahead, for example, re‐  
quire a reduction in speed.  
Showing consumption history  
The average consumption can be shown on the  
Control Display.  
General  
The alert is also given if the section of the route  
ahead cannot yet be detected when driving.  
Via iDrive:  
The alert is shown until the section of the route  
is reached.  
1. "My Vehicle"  
If there is an instruction, the vehicle's speed and  
its consumption can be reduced by coming off  
the gas and coasting until the route section is  
reached.  
2. "Technology in action"  
3. "EfficientDynamics"  
4.  
Select the symbol.  
Vertical bars shows the consumption for the se‐  
lected time span.  
Depending on the situation, the system also in‐  
dependently used the engine brake by interrupt‐  
ing the coasting function, see page 243.  
Setting consumption history time  
span  
Operating requirements  
1. "My Vehicle"  
The function is available in ECO PRO Mode.  
2. "Technology in action"  
3. "EfficientDynamics"  
The function depends on how up-to-date the  
navigation data is and its quality.  
The navigation data can be updated.  
4.  
Select the symbol.  
Display  
5.  
Press the button.  
6. Set time span.  
Display in the instrument cluster  
Resetting consumption history  
1. "My Vehicle"  
The note on a section of the route ahead  
is given as an ECO PRO trip for precau‐  
tionary deceleration.  
2. "Technology in action"  
3. "EfficientDynamics"  
Activate the display, see page 241.  
4.  
Select the symbol.  
5.  
Press the button.  
6. "Reset consumption history"  
242  
Saving fuel  
DRIVING HINTS  
In the revolution counter, a long  
arrow up to the zero point of the  
efficiency display shows that a  
section of road in front has been  
detected.  
Coasting  
Principle  
The engine is automatically disconnected from  
the gearbox in selector lever position D under  
certain circumstances. The vehicle continues to  
roll in idle to reduce consumption. Selector lever  
position D remains engaged.  
Display on the Control Display  
This vehicle condition is called coasting.  
As soon as the brake or accelerator pedal is  
pressed, the engine is automatically connected  
again.  
General  
Coasting is a component of ECO PRO drive  
mode.  
The Control Display shows if there is a corre‐  
sponding section of the route.  
Coasting is automatically activated by calling up  
the ECO PRO drive mode via the Driving Experi‐  
ence Control.  
Call up driving style analysis display:  
A precautionary driving style helps to use the  
function as often as possible and supports the  
consumption-reducing effect of coasting.  
1. "My Vehicle"  
2. "Technology in action"  
3. "Driving style analysis"  
Operating requirements  
Using route-ahead assistant  
A section of the route ahead is shown:  
The function is available in the speed range from  
approx. 50 km/h, 30 mph up to 160 km/h,  
100 mph.  
1. Remove your foot from the accelerator.  
The function is active if the following conditions  
are met:  
2. Allow the vehicle to coast until you reach the  
section of road displayed.  
Accelerator pedal and brake pedal not  
pressed.  
3. Adjust the speed by braking as necessary.  
Selector lever in selector lever position D.  
System limits  
The function is not available in the following sit‐  
uations:  
Engine and gearbox are at operating temper‐  
ature.  
Speed below 50 km/h, 30 mph.  
Operation via shift paddles  
In the area of temporary and variable speed  
limits, such as at road works.  
Principle  
With inadequate quality of the navigation  
data.  
The coasting state can be controlled via the shift  
paddles, if installed.  
With Active Cruise Control.  
When towing a trailer.  
243  
Saving fuel  
DRIVING HINTS  
Activating/deactivating coasting via shift  
paddles  
System limits  
The function is not available if one of the  
following conditions is met:  
1. Pull the right-hand shift paddle to shift to the  
top gear.  
If DSC OFF or TRACTION is activated.  
If Cruise Control is activated.  
2. To activate coasting mode, actuate the right-  
hand shift paddle again.  
When driving in the handling limit range.  
Actuate the left-hand shift paddle to deactivate.  
When driving on steep uphill or downhill in‐  
clines.  
Display  
When towing a trailer.  
Display in the instrument cluster  
If the battery charge state is temporarily too  
low.  
The revolution counter is showing idle speed.  
If the vehicle's electrical system is drawing  
too much current.  
The mark in the efficiency display has a blue  
background and is at zero. The coasting point  
display is illuminated at zero when coasting.  
Driving style analysis  
Principle  
The function helps you to develop a particularly  
efficient driving style and to save fuel.  
Display on the Control Display  
In EfficientDynamics, the coasting drive state is  
shown during the journey.  
The route covered in the coasting drive state is  
displayed in the consumption history. The coun‐  
ter reading is reset before the start of each jour‐  
ney.  
To do this, the driving style is analysed. The eval‐  
uation is performed in various categories and is  
shown on the Control Display.  
Using this display, the individual driving style can  
be adjusted to save fuel.  
The last 15 minutes of a journey are evaluated.  
The range of the vehicle can be increased by  
adopting an efficient driving style.  
This gain in range is shown as a bonus range on  
the instrument cluster and Control Display.  
Operating requirements  
The function is available in ECO PRO drive  
mode.  
Blue colour: coasting drive state.  
Displaying EfficientDynamics information  
Via iDrive:  
Calling up ECO PRO driving style  
analysis  
1. "My Vehicle"  
Via iDrive:  
2. "Technology in action"  
3. "EfficientDynamics"  
1. "My Vehicle"  
2. "Technology in action"  
3. "Driving style analysis"  
4.  
Select the symbol.  
244  
Saving fuel  
DRIVING HINTS  
Display on the Control Display  
The display of the ECO PRO driving style analy‐  
ser consists of a symbolised road and a perform‐  
ance table.  
The road symbolises the efficiency of the driving  
style. The more efficient the driving style, the  
more evenly the route is illustrated, arrow 1.  
The performance table contains stars. The more  
efficient the driving style, the more stars are con‐  
tained in the table and the faster the bonus range  
increases, arrow 2.  
On the other hand, if the driving style is ineffi‐  
cient, a bumpier road and a reduced number of  
stars is shown.  
To support an efficient driving style, ECO PRO  
tips are shown during the journey.  
Tips for an energy-saving driving style, Saving  
fuel, see page 238.  
245  
246