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EnglishDRIVING TIPS for your BMW 4 Series 2013-2020
DRIVING TIPS
Things to remember when driving ........................................................ 226
Loading ..................................................................................................... 230
Saving fuel ................................................................................................ 233
225
Things to remember when driving
DRIVING TIPS
Things to remember when driving
Engine, transmission, and axle
drive
Vehicle features and
options
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Do not exceed the maximum engine and road
speed:
This chapter describes all standard, country-spe‐
cific and optional features offered with the series.
It also describes features that are not necessarily
available in your vehicle, e. g., due to the selected
options or country versions. This also applies to
safety-related functions and systems. When us‐
ing these functions and systems, the applicable
laws and regulations must be observed.
▷ For gasoline engine 4,500 rpm and
100 mph/160 km/h.
Avoid full load or kickdown under all circumstan‐
ces.
From 1,200 miles/2,000 km
The engine and vehicle speed can gradually be
increased.
Breaking-in period
General information
Moving parts need to begin working together
smoothly.
Tires
Tire traction is not optimal due to manufacturing
circumstances when tires are brand-new; they
achieve their full traction potential after a break-in
time.
The following instructions will help you to ach‐
ieve a long vehicle life and good efficiency.
During break-in, do not use the Launch Control.
Drive conservatively for the first
200 miles/300 km.
Safety information
Brake system
Brake discs and brake pads only reach their full
effectiveness after approx. 300 miles/500 km.
Drive moderately during this break-in period.
WARNING
Due to new parts and components, safety and
driver assistance systems can react with a de‐
lay. There is a risk of an accident. After instal‐
ling new parts or with a new vehicle, drive con‐
servatively and intervene early if necessary.
Observe the break-in procedures of the re‐
spective parts and components.
Clutch
The function of the clutch reaches its optimal
level only after a distance driven of approx.
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period,
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
The same break-in procedures should be ob‐
served if any of the components above-men‐
tioned have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.
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Things to remember when driving
DRIVING TIPS
Mobile communication devices
in the vehicle
General driving notes
Closing the tailgate
Safety information
WARNING
Vehicle electronics and mobile phones can in‐
fluence one another. There is radiation due to
the transmission operations of mobile phones.
There is a risk of injury or risk of damage to
property. If possible, in the car's interior use
only mobile phones with direct connections to
an exterior antenna in order to exclude mutual
interference and deflect the radiation from the
car's interior.
WARNING
An open tailgate protrudes from the vehicle and
can endanger occupants and other traffic par‐
ticipants or damage the vehicle in the event of
an accident, braking or evasive maneuvers. In
addition, exhaust fumes may enter the car's in‐
terior. There is a risk of injury or risk of damage
to property. Do not drive with the tailgate open.
Hydroplaning
On wet or slushy roads, a wedge of water can
form between the tires and road surface.
Driving with the tailgate open
If driving with the tailgate open cannot be
avoided:
This phenomenon is referred to as hydroplaning.
It 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.
▷ Close all windows and the glass sunroof.
▷ Greatly increase the air flow from the vents.
▷ Drive moderately.
Driving through water
Hot exhaust gas system
General information
When driving through water, follow the following:
WARNING
During driving operation, high temperatures can
occur underneath the vehicle body, for instance
caused by the exhaust gas system. If combusti‐
ble materials, such as leaves or grass, come in
contact with hot parts of the exhaust gas sys‐
tem, these materials can ignite. There is a risk
of injury or risk of damage to property. Do not
remove the heat shields installed and never ap‐
ply undercoating to them. Make sure that no
combustible materials can come in contact with
hot vehicle parts in driving operation, idle or
during parking. Do not touch the hot exhaust
gas system.
▷ Drive through calm water only.
▷ Drive through water only if it is not deeper
than maximum 9.8 in/25 cm.
▷ Drive through water no faster than walking
speed, up to 3 mph/5 km/h.
Safety information
NOTE
When driving too quickly through too deep wa‐
ter, water can enter into the engine compart‐
ment, the electrical system or the transmission.
There is a risk of damage to property. When
driving through water, do not exceed the maxi‐
227
Things to remember when driving
DRIVING TIPS
mum indicated water level and the maximum
speed for driving through water.
The heat generated during braking dries brake
discs and brake pads and protects them against
corrosion.
In this way braking efficiency will be available
when you need it.
Braking safely
General information
The vehicle is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature.
Hills
General information
Perform an emergency stop in situations that re‐
quire such.
Drive long or steep downhill gradients in the gear
that requires least braking effort. Otherwise, the
brakes may overheat and reduce brake effi‐
ciency.
Steering is still responsive. You can still avoid any
obstacles with a minimum of steering effort.
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, going all the way to first gear, if
needed.
Pulsation of the brake pedal and sounds from the
hydraulic circuits indicate that ABS is in its active
mode.
In certain braking situations, the perforated brake
discs can emit functional noises. Functional
noises have no effect on the performance and
operational reliability of the brake.
Safety information
WARNING
Light but consistent brake pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brakes wearing out and
possibly even brake failure. There is a risk of an
accident. Avoid placing excessive stress on the
brake system.
Objects in the movement area
around pedals and floor area
WARNING
Objects in the driver's floor area can limit the
pedal distance or block a depressed pedal.
There is a risk of an accident. Stow objects in
the vehicle such that they are secured and can‐
not enter into the driver's floor area. Use floor
mats that are suitable for the vehicle and can
be safely attached to the floor. Do not use
loose floor mats and do not layer several floor
mats. Make sure that there is sufficient clear‐
ance for the pedals. Ensure that the floor mats
are securely fastened again after they were re‐
moved, for instance for cleaning.
WARNING
In idle state or with the engine switched off,
safety-relevant functions, for instance engine
braking effect, braking force boost and steering
assistance, are restricted or not available at all.
There is a risk of an accident. Do not drive in
idle state or with the engine switched off.
Brake disc corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and contamination
on the brake pads are increased by the following
circumstances:
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet, salted, or in heavy rain, gen‐
tly press the brake pedal every few miles.
▷ Low mileage.
▷ Extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all.
Ensure that this action does not endanger other
traffic.
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Things to remember when driving
DRIVING TIPS
▷ Infrequent use of the brakes.
▷ Aggressive, acidic, or alkaline cleaning
agents.
Corrosion buildup on the brake discs will cause a
pulsating effect on the brakes in their response -
generally this cannot be corrected.
Condensation water under the
parked vehicle
When using the automatic climate control, con‐
densation water develops and collects under‐
neath the vehicle.
Driving on racetracks
Higher mechanical and thermal loads during
racetrack operation lead to increased wear. This
wear is not covered by the warranty. The vehicle
is not designed for use in motor sports competi‐
tion.
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Loading
DRIVING TIPS
Loading
Vehicle features and
options
WARNING
Improperly stowed objects can shift and be
thrown into the car's interior, for instance in the
event of an accident or during braking and eva‐
sive maneuvers. Vehicle occupants can be hit
and injured. There is a risk of injury. Stow and
secure objects and cargo properly.
This chapter describes all standard, country-spe‐
cific and optional features offered with the series.
It also describes features that are not necessarily
available in your vehicle, e. g., due to the selected
options or country versions. This also applies to
safety-related functions and systems. When us‐
ing these functions and systems, the applicable
laws and regulations must be observed.
NOTE
Fluids in the cargo area can cause damage.
There is a risk of damage to property. Make
sure that no fluids leak in the cargo area.
Safety information
WARNING
Steps for Determining
Correct Load Limit
High gross weight can overheat the tires, dam‐
age them internally and cause a sudden drop in
tire inflation pressure. Driving characteristics
may be negatively impacted, reducing lane sta‐
bility, lengthening the braking distances and
changing the steering response. There is a risk
of an accident. Pay attention to the permitted
load capacity of the tires and never exceed the
permitted gross weight.
1. Locate the statement “The combined weight
of occupants and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver
and passengers that will be riding in your ve‐
hicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
WARNING
4. 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 pas‐
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of availa‐
ble cargo and luggage load capacity is
Loose objects or devices with a cable connec‐
tion to the vehicle, for instance mobile phones,
can be thrown into the car's interior while driv‐
ing, for instance in the event of an accident or
during braking and evasive maneuvers. There is
a risk of injury. Secure loose objects or devices
with a cable connection to the vehicle in the
car's interior.
650 lbs. (1,400–750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
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Loading
DRIVING TIPS
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in
Step 4.
▷ Larger and heavy cargo: secure with cargo
straps.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load
from your trailer will be transferred to your ve‐
hicle. Consult this manual to determine how
this reduces the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
Lashing eyes in the cargo
area
Load
There are four lashing eyes in the cargo area for
securing cargo.
Attach load securing aids, such as lashing straps,
retaining straps, draw straps or cargo nets, to the
lashing eyes in the cargo area.
The maximum load is the sum of the weight of
the occupants and the cargo.
The greater the weight of the occupants, the
less cargo that can be transported.
Floor net
To secure the cargo the floor net can also be
used.
Stowing and securing
cargo
▷ Cover sharp edges and corners on the cargo.
▷ Heavy cargo: stow as far forward as possible,
directly behind and at the bottom of the rear
passenger seat backrests.
▷ Very heavy cargo: when the rear seat is not
occupied, secure each of the outer safety
belts in the opposite buckle.
Hook the floor net into the fittings in the cargo
area floor.
▷ If necessary, fold down the rear backrests to
stow cargo.
▷ Do not stack cargo above the top edge of the
backrests.
▷ Smaller and lighter cargo: secure with ratchet
straps, the floor net, or draw straps.
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Loading
DRIVING TIPS
have a major effect on vehicle handling and
steering response.
Roof-mounted luggage
rack
Therefore, note the following when loading and
driving:
General information
Roof racks are available as special accessories.
▷ Do not exceed the approved roof/axle loads
and the approved gross vehicle weight.
▷ Be sure that adequate clearance is main‐
tained for tilting and opening the glass sun‐
roof.
Safety information
▷ Distribute the roof load uniformly.
WARNING
▷ The roof load should not extend past the
loading area.
When driving with a roof load, for instance with
roof-mounted luggage rack, the vehicle's cen‐
ter of gravity is higher, which increases the risk
of the vehicle tipping in critical driving situa‐
tions. There is a risk of accidents or risk of
damage to property. Do not deactivate DSC
Dynamic Stability Control when driving with
roof load.
▷ Always place the heaviest pieces on the bot‐
tom.
▷ Secure the roof luggage firmly, for instance
using ratchet straps.
▷ Do not let objects project into the opening
path of the tailgate.
▷ Drive cautiously and avoid sudden accelera‐
tion and braking maneuvers. Take corners
gently.
Securing
Follow the installation instructions of the roof
rack.
Roof drip rail with flaps
The fixing points are located in the roof drip rail
above the doors.
Fold the cover outward.
Loading
Because roof-mounted luggage racks raise the
vehicle's center of gravity when loaded, they
232
Saving fuel
DRIVING TIPS
Saving fuel
Vehicle features and
options
Close the windows and
glass sunroof
This chapter describes all standard, country-spe‐
cific and optional features offered with the series.
It also describes features that are not necessarily
available in your vehicle, e. g., due to the selected
options or country versions. This also applies to
safety-related functions and systems. When us‐
ing these functions and systems, the applicable
laws and regulations must be observed.
Driving with the glass sunroof and windows open
results in increased air resistance and thereby re‐
duces the range.
Tires
General information
Tires can affect fuel consumption in various
ways, for instance tire size may influence fuel
consumption.
General information
The vehicle contains advanced technologies for
the reduction of fuel consumption and emission
values.
Check the tire inflation pressure
regularly
Fuel consumption depends on a number of dif‐
ferent factors.
Check and, if needed, correct the tire inflation
pressure at least twice a month and before start‐
ing on a long trip.
Carrying out certain measures, such as a moder‐
ate driving style and regular maintenance, can in‐
fluence fuel consumption and the environmental
impact.
Low tire inflation pressure increases rolling re‐
sistance and thus raises fuel consumption and
tire wear.
Remove unnecessary
cargo
Drive away immediately
Do not wait for the engine to warm-up while the
vehicle remains stationary. Start driving right
away, but at moderate engine speeds.
Additional weight increases fuel consumption.
This is the quickest way of warming the cold en‐
gine up to operating temperature.
Remove attached parts
following use
Look well ahead when
driving
Remove roof-mounted luggage racks which are
no longer required following use.
Attached parts on the vehicle impair the aerody‐
namics and increase the fuel consumption.
Driving smoothly and proactively reduces fuel
consumption.
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DRIVING TIPS
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.
Switch off any functions
that are not currently
needed
By maintaining a suitable distance to the vehicle
driving ahead of you.
Avoid high engine speeds
Functions such as seat heating and the rear win‐
dow defroster require a lot of energy and reduce
the range, especially in city and stop-and-go traf‐
fic.
Driving at low engine speeds lowers fuel con‐
sumption and reduces wear.
If necessary, observe the vehicle's gear shift indi‐
cator, refer to page 131.
Switch off these functions if they are not needed.
The ECO PRO driving mode supports the en‐
ergy conserving use of comfort features. These
functions are automatically deactivated partially
or completely.
Use coasting
When approaching a red light, take your foot off
the accelerator and let the vehicle coast to a halt.
Have maintenance carried
out
For going downhill take your foot off the acceler‐
ator and let the vehicle roll.
The flow of fuel is interrupted while coasting.
Have the vehicle maintained regularly to achieve
optimal vehicle efficiency and service life. BMW
recommends that maintenance work be per‐
formed by a BMW dealer’s service center.
Switch off the engine
during longer stops
For information on the BMW Maintenance Sys‐
tem, refer to page 274.
Switching off the engine
Switch off the engine during longer stops, for in‐
stance at traffic lights, railroad crossings or in
traffic congestion.
ECO PRO
Concept
ECO PRO supports a driving style that saves on
fuel consumption. For this purpose, the engine
control and comfort features, for instance the cli‐
mate control output, are adjusted.
Auto Start/Stop function
The Auto Start/Stop function of the vehicle auto‐
matically switches off the engine during a stop.
If the engine is switched off and then restarted
rather than leaving the engine running con‐
stantly, fuel consumption and emissions are re‐
duced. Savings can begin within a few seconds
of switching off the engine.
Under certain conditions the engine is automati‐
cally decoupled from the transmission in the D
selector lever position. The vehicle continues
traveling with the engine idling to reduce fuel
consumption. The D selector lever position re‐
mains engaged.
In addition, fuel consumption is also determined
by other factors, such as driving style, road con‐
ditions, maintenance or environmental factors.
In addition, context-sensitive instructions are dis‐
played to assist with an optimized fuel consump‐
tion driving style.
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DRIVING TIPS
The achieved extended range is displayed in the
instrument cluster as bonus range.
Via iDrive
1. "My Vehicle"
2. "Vehicle settings"
General information
The system includes the following
EfficientDynamics functions and
EfficientDynamics displays:
3. If necessary, "Driving mode"
4. "Configure ECO PRO"
5. Select the desired setting.
▷ ECO PRO bonus range, refer to page 236.
Settings are stored for the profile currently used.
▷ Activate/deactivate the display, refer to
page 236.
Activating/deactivating the
functions
The following functions can be activated/deacti‐
vated:
▷ ECO PRO climate control, refer to page 235.
▷ Coasting driving condition, refer to page 237.
▷ Driving style analysis, refer to page 239.
▷ "ECO PRO speed warning"
▷ "ECO PRO climate control"
▷ "Coasting"
Overview
Settings are stored for the driver profile currently
used.
ECO PRO limit
▷ Activate the ECO PRO limit:
"ECO PRO speed warning":
An ECO PRO tip is displayed if the speed of
the set ECO PRO limit is exceeded.
Driving Dynamics Control
▷ Adjust the ECO PRO limit speed:
"Tip at:"
Select the desired speed.
Activating ECO PRO
Press button repeatedly until ECO PRO
is displayed in the instrument cluster.
ECO PRO climate control
"ECO PRO climate control"
Climate control is set to be fuel-efficient.
Configuring ECO PRO
That is, it is possible to deviate slightly from the
set temperature or to heat or cool the car's inte‐
rior more slowly, to economize on fuel consump‐
tion.
Via the Driving Dynamics Control
1. Activate ECO PRO.
2. "Configure ECO PRO"
In addition, the power output to the seat and mir‐
ror heating is reduced.
3. Select the desired setting.
Coasting
Fuel-efficiency can be optimized by disengaging
the engine and coasting with the engine idling.
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Saving fuel
DRIVING TIPS
Deactivate the function to use the braking effect
of the engine when traveling downhill.
accelerate the vehicle or whether energy is being
recovered through coasting or braking. If the
pointer remains in the blue range on the scale,
you are driving efficiently.
ECO PRO potential savings
Shows potential savings with the current settings
in percentages.
ECO PRO tip, driving tip
The ECO PRO tip indicates that your
driving style can be modified to be more
fuel efficient, for example by backing off
the accelerator.
Display in the instrument cluster
Display in the instrument display
When ECO PRO driving mode is activated, the
display switches to a special configuration.
Activating/deactivating the display
1. "My Vehicle"
Blue bar segments symbolize the gained bonus
range in stages.
2. "iDrive settings"
In addition, the bonus range is highlighted in blue
in the total range display.
3. "Displays"
4. "Instrument panel"
5. "ECO PRO info"
In the instrument display:
Via iDrive:
ECO PRO bonus range
A modified driving style helps you
extend your driving range.
This may be displayed as the bo‐
nus range in the instrument clus‐
ter.
1. "My Vehicle"
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Displays"
The bonus range is shown in the range display.
4. "Instrument panel"
5. "Driving mode view"
The bonus range is automatically reset every
time the vehicle is refueled.
ECO PRO tip, symbols
An additional symbol and text instructions are
displayed.
ECO PRO efficiency display
The color of the ECO PRO displays in the instru‐
ment cluster tell you how efficiently you are driv‐
ing:
Symbol Measure
▷ Blue display: efficient driving style.
For efficient driving back off the ac‐
celerator or delay accelerating to al‐
low time to assess road conditions.
▷ Gray display: modify driving style, for example
by backing off the accelerator pedal.
The display switches to blue as soon as all con‐
ditions for driving with optimized fuel efficiency
are met.
Reduce speed to the selected ECO
PRO speed.
Steptronic transmission:
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, the
ECO PRO displays also inform you about your
current driving style. This is indicated by a
pointer which moves along a scale. The pointer
tells you whether energy is being consumed to
Switch from M/S to D and avoid
manual shift interventions.
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Saving fuel
DRIVING TIPS
Adjusting the fuel consumption
history time frame
1. "My Vehicle"
Symbol Measure
Manual transmission:
Follow the shift instructions.
2. "Technology in action"
3. "EfficientDynamics"
Manual transmission:
Engage neutral for an engine stop.
4.
Select the symbol.
5.
Press button.
Indications on the Control
Display
6. Adjust the time frame.
Resetting fuel consumption history
1. "My Vehicle"
Displaying EfficientDynamics
information
2. "Technology in action"
3. "EfficientDynamics"
The current efficiency of the ECO PRO functions
can be displayed on the Control Display.
Via iDrive:
4.
Select the symbol.
1. "My Vehicle"
5.
Press button.
2. "Technology in action"
3. "EfficientDynamics"
6. "Reset consumption history"
4.
Select the symbol.
Coasting
The following functions are displayed:
▷ Auto Start/Stop function.
▷ Energy recovery.
Concept
This function helps to save fuel.
To do this, under certain conditions the engine is
automatically decoupled from the transmission
when selector lever position D is set. The vehicle
continues traveling with the engine idling to re‐
duce fuel consumption. Selector lever position D
remains engaged.
▷ Coasting.
Displaying fuel consumption history
The average consumption can be displayed on
the Control Display.
Via iDrive:
This driving condition is referred to as coasting.
1. "My Vehicle"
As soon as you step on the brake or accelerator
pedal, the engine is automatically coupled again.
2. "Technology in action"
3. "EfficientDynamics"
General information
Coasting is a component of the ECO PRO driv‐
ing mode.
4.
Select the symbol.
Vertical bars show consumption for the selected
time frame.
Coasting is automatically activated when ECO
PRO mode is called via the Driving Dynamics
Control.
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DRIVING TIPS
A proactive driving style helps the driver to use
the function as often as possible and supports
the fuel-conserving effect of coasting.
Indications on the Control Display
The coasting mode is displayed in
EfficientDynamics while driving.
The distance traveled in coasting mode is shown
in the fuel consumption history. The counter is
reset prior to every departure.
Functional requirements
The function is available in the speed range from
approx. 30 mph/50 km/h up to
100 mph/160 km/h.
The function is active if the following conditions
are met:
▷ Accelerator pedal and brake pedal not de‐
pressed.
▷ The selector lever is in selector lever position
D.
▷ Engine and transmission are at operating
temperature.
Color code blue: coasting mode.
Operation via shift paddles
Displaying EfficientDynamics information
Via iDrive:
Concept
1. "My Vehicle"
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, the
coasting mode can be influenced with the shift
paddles.
2. "Technology in action"
3. "EfficientDynamics"
4.
Select the symbol.
Activating/deactivating coasting via shift
paddles
System limits
The function is not available if one of the follow‐
ing conditions applies:
1. Shift to the highest gear by pulling the right
shift paddle.
2. To activate coasting mode, actuate the right
shift paddle again.
▷ DSC OFF or TRACTION activated.
▷ If cruise control is activated.
To deactivate, actuate the left shift paddle.
▷ If driving in the dynamic limit range.
▷ If driving on steep uphill or downhill grades.
Display
▷ If the battery charge state is temporarily too
low.
Display in the instrument cluster
The mark in the efficiency display is backlit in
blue and is located at the zero point. The tach‐
ometer shows the idle speed.
▷ If the vehicle electrical system is drawing ex‐
cessive current.
The coasting point indicator is illuminated at the
zero point during coasting.
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DRIVING TIPS
The road symbolizes the efficiency of the driving
style. The more efficient your driving style, the
smoother the depicted route becomes, arrow 1.
Driving style analysis
Concept
The table of values contains stars. The more effi‐
cient the driving style, the more stars are in‐
cluded in the table and the faster the bonus
range increases, arrow 2.
The function helps develop an especially effi‐
cient driving style and to conserve fuel.
For this purpose, the driving style is analyzed.
The assessment is done in various categories
and is displayed on the Control Display.
If, on the other hand, the driving style is ineffi‐
cient, a more wavy road and a reduced number
of stars are displayed.
This display will help you adjust your driving style
and save some fuel.
To assist with an efficient driving style, ECO
PRO tips are displayed during driving.
The last 15 minutes of a trip are evaluated.
The range of the vehicle can be extended by
adopting an efficient driving style.
Tips for an energy-saving driving style, Saving
fuel, refer to page 233.
This gain in range is displayed as a bonus range
in the instrument cluster and on the Control Dis‐
play.
Functional requirement
This function is available in ECO PRO mode.
Calling up ECO PRO driving style
analysis
Via iDrive:
1. "My Vehicle"
2. "Technology in action"
3. "Driving style analysis"
Display on the Control Display
The display of the ECO PRO driving style analy‐
sis consists of a symbolized route and a lookup
table.
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