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EnglishDRIVING TIPS for your BMW 7 Series 2015-2021
DRIVING TIPS
Things to remember when driving ........................................................ 312
Saving fuel ................................................................................................ 317
311
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 and functions 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 sys‐
tems. When using these functions and systems,
the applicable laws and regulations must be ob‐
served.
▷ 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
Tires
General information
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.
Moving parts need to begin working together
smoothly.
The following instructions will help you to ach‐
ieve a long vehicle life and good efficiency.
Drive conservatively for the first
200 miles/300 km.
During break-in, do not use the Launch Control,
refer to page 148.
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.
Safety information
Warning
Due to new parts and components, safety and
driver assistance systems can react with a de‐
lay. There is a risk of accident. After installing
new parts or with a new vehicle, drive conser‐
vatively and intervene early if necessary. Ob‐
serve the break-in procedures of the respective
parts and components.
Following part replacement
Observe the break-in procedures again, if com‐
ponents mentioned above are replaced.
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Things to remember when driving
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Climate comfort windshield
General driving notes
Closing the trunk lid
Safety information
Warning
An open trunk lid protrudes from the vehicle
and can endanger occupants and other traffic
participants or damage the vehicle in the event
of an accident, braking or evasive maneuvers.
In addition, exhaust fumes may enter the car's
interior. There is a risk of injury or risk of dam‐
age to property. Do not drive with the trunk lid
open.
The marked area is not covered with heat reflec‐
tive coating.
Use the marked area for garage door openers,
devices for electronic toll collection, payment
systems, etc.
Climate comfort laminated safety
glass
The vehicle glass provides full protection against
the harmful effects of UV radiation on the skin.
Driving with the trunk lid open
If driving with the tailgate open cannot be
avoided:
▷ Close all windows and the glass sunroof.
▷ Greatly increase the air flow from the vents.
▷ Drive moderately.
Mobile communication devices
in the vehicle
Hot exhaust gas system
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
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.
Hydroplaning
On wet or slushy roads, a wedge of water can
form between the tires and road surface.
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,
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Things to remember when driving
DRIVING TIPS
ultimately undermining your ability to steer and
brake the vehicle.
Objects in the area around the
pedals
Driving through water
Warning
Objects in the driver's floor area can limit the
pedal distance or block a depressed pedal.
There is a risk of accident. Stow objects in the
vehicle such that they are secured and cannot
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 clearance for
the pedals. Ensure that the floor mats are se‐
curely fastened again after they were removed,
for instance for cleaning.
General information
When driving through water, follow the following:
▷ Drive through calm water only.
▷ Drive through water only if it is not deeper
than maximum 9.8 inches/25 cm.
▷ Drive through water no faster than walking
speed, up to 3 mph/5 km/h.
Safety information
NOTICE
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‐
mum indicated water level and the maximum
speed for driving through water.
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet, salted, or in heavy rain, gen‐
tly press the brake pedal every few miles.
Ensure that this action does not endanger other
traffic.
The heat generated during braking dries brake
discs and brake pads and protects them against
corrosion.
Braking safely
In this way braking efficiency will be available
when you need it.
General information
The vehicle is equipped with the Antilock Brake
System ABS as a standard feature.
Hills
Perform an emergency stop in situations that re‐
quire such.
General information
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.
Pulsation of the brake pedal and sounds from the
hydraulic circuits indicate that the Antilock Brake
System ABS is in its active mode.
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, going all the way to first gear, if
needed.
In certain braking situations, the perforated brake
discs can emit functional noises. However, func‐
tional noises have no effect on the performance
and operational reliability of the brake.
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Safety information
Warning
Flag bracket
Safety information
Light but consistent brake pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brakes wearing out and
possibly even brake failure. There is a risk of
accident. Avoid placing excessive stress on the
brake system.
NOTICE
At high speeds, a mounted flag can cause
damage to the vehicle, the flag bracket, and the
flag itself. There is a risk of damage to property.
Do not exceed a speed of 80 mph / 130 km/h.
Remove flag before trips at high speeds.
Warning
In idle state or with the engine switched off,
safety functions, for instance engine braking ef‐
fect, braking assistance and steering assis‐
tance, may not be available. There is a risk of
accident. Do not attempt to drive in idle state or
with the engine switched off.
Overview
Brake disc corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and contamination
on the brake pads are increased by the following
circumstances:
The flag bracket is located on the side of the ve‐
hicle.
▷ Low mileage.
▷ Extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all.
Mounting
▷ Infrequent use of the brakes.
1. Remove the protective cap.
▷ Aggressive, acidic, or alkaline cleaning
agents.
2. Insert flag horizontally.
3. Turn the flag clockwise by 90° to lock the
flag.
Corrosion buildup on the brake discs will cause a
pulsating effect on the brakes in their response -
generally this cannot be corrected.
M Driver's Package: driving in
the higher speed range
Condensation water under the
parked vehicle
When using the automatic climate control, con‐
densation water develops and collects under‐
neath the vehicle.
Warning
Damage to vehicle components can negatively
impact the driving performance at high speeds.
This includes, among other things, tires, under‐
carriage and parts for improving aerodynamics.
There is a risk of accident. Have damage cor‐
rected by a dealer’s service center or another
qualified service center or repair shop. Do not
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Things to remember when driving
DRIVING TIPS
drive at high speeds until the damage is cor‐
rected.
Loading
Because roof-mounted luggage racks raise the
vehicle's center of gravity when loaded, they
have a major effect on vehicle handling and
steering response.
Roof-mounted luggage
rack
Therefore, note the following when loading and
driving:
▷ Do not exceed the approved roof/axle loads
and the approved gross vehicle weight.
General information
Installation only possible in roof drip rail with
flaps. Further information is available from a deal‐
er's service center or another qualified service
center or repair shop.
▷ Be sure that adequate clearance is main‐
tained for tilting and opening the glass sun‐
roof.
▷ Distribute the roof load uniformly.
Roof racks are available as special accessories.
▷ The roof load should not extend past the
loading area.
Roof drip rail with flaps
▷ 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 trunk lid.
▷ Drive cautiously and avoid sudden accelera‐
tion and braking maneuvers. Take corners
gently.
The fixing points are located in the roof drip rail
above the doors.
Driving on racetracks
Fold the cover outward.
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.
Mounting
Follow the installation instructions of the roof
rack.
Be sure that adequate clearance is maintained
for tilting and opening the glass sunroof.
Magnetic roof-mounted luggage
racks
Because of the aluminum roof, magnetic roof-
mounted luggage racks cannot be used.
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DRIVING TIPS
Saving fuel
Close the windows and glass
sunroof
Driving with the glass sunroof and windows open
results in increased air resistance and raises fuel
consumption.
Vehicle features and
options
This chapter describes all standard, country-spe‐
cific and optional features offered with the series.
It also describes features and functions 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 sys‐
tems. When using these functions and systems,
the applicable laws and regulations must be ob‐
served.
Tires
General information
Tires can affect consumption in various ways, for
instance tire size may influence consumption.
Check the tire inflation pressure
regularly
Check and, if needed, correct the tire inflation
pressure at least twice a month and before start‐
ing on a long trip.
Reducing fuel consumption
General information
The vehicle contains advanced technologies for
the reduction of consumption and emission val‐
ues.
Low tire inflation pressure increases rolling re‐
sistance and thus raises fuel consumption and
tire wear.
Fuel consumption depends on a number of dif‐
ferent factors.
Drive away without delay
Carrying out certain measures, such as a moder‐
ate driving style and regular maintenance, can in‐
fluence fuel consumption and the environmental
impact.
Do not wait for the engine to warm-up while the
vehicle remains stationary. Start driving right
away, but at moderate engine speeds.
This is the quickest way of warming the cold en‐
gine up to operating temperature.
Remove unnecessary cargo
Additional weight increases fuel consumption.
Look well ahead when driving
Driving smoothly and proactively reduces fuel
consumption.
Remove attached parts following
use
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.
Remove auxiliary mirrors, roof-mounted or rear
luggage racks which are no longer required fol‐
lowing use.
By maintaining a suitable distance to the vehicle
driving ahead of you.
Attached parts on the vehicle impair the aerody‐
namics and increase the fuel consumption.
Avoid high engine speeds
Driving at low engine speeds lowers fuel con‐
sumption and reduces wear.
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DRIVING TIPS
If necessary, observe the vehicle's gear shift indi‐
cator, refer to page 158.
Have maintenance carried out
Have the vehicle maintained regularly to achieve
optimal vehicle efficiency and service life. BMW
recommends that maintenance work be per‐
formed by a BMW service center.
Use coasting conditions
When approaching a red light, take your foot off
the accelerator and let the vehicle coast to a halt.
For information on the BMW Maintenance Sys‐
tem, refer to page 368.
For going downhill take your foot off the acceler‐
ator and let the vehicle roll.
The flow of fuel is interrupted while coasting.
ECO PRO
Switch off the engine during
longer stops
Concept
ECO PRO supports a driving style that saves on
consumption. For this purpose, the engine con‐
trol and comfort features, for instance the climate
control output, are adjusted.
Switching off the engine
Switch off the engine during longer stops, for in‐
stance at traffic lights, railroad crossings or in
traffic congestion.
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 con‐
sumption. The D selector lever position remains
engaged.
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.
In addition, context-sensitive information, ECO
PRO tips, can be displayed to assist with a fuel-
efficient driving style.
The achieved extended range is displayed in the
instrument cluster as bonus range.
In addition, fuel consumption is also determined
by other factors, such as driving style, road con‐
ditions, maintenance or environmental factors.
General information
The system includes the following
EfficientDynamics functions and
EfficientDynamics displays:
Switch off any functions that are
not currently needed
Functions such as seat heating and the rear win‐
dow defroster require a lot of energy and in‐
crease fuel consumption, especially in city and
stop-and-go traffic.
▷ ECO PRO bonus range, refer to page 320.
▷ ECO PRO seat climate control, refer to
page 319.
▷ ECO PRO climate control, refer to page 319.
▷ ECO PRO light and sight, refer to page 319.
▷ Coasting driving condition, refer to page 320.
▷ Driving style analysis, refer to page 322.
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.
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▷ "ECO PRO climate control"
▷ "ECO PRO light and sight"
Overview
Settings are stored for the driver profile currently
used.
ECO PRO limit
▷ Activate the ECO PRO limit:
"ECO PRO speed"
An ECO PRO tip is displayed if the speed of
the set ECO PRO limit is exceeded.
Button
▷ Adjust the ECO PRO limit speed:
"Notification at:"
Select the desired speed.
Activating ECO PRO
Press the button. ECO PRO is displayed
in the instrument cluster.
Coasting
Efficiency can be optimized by disengaging the
engine and coasting with the engine idling.
Configuring ECO PRO
INDIVIDUAL
ECO PRO seat climate control
The output of seat heating and, where applica‐
ble, seat ventilation is reduced when ECO PRO
is activated.
Via the Driving Dynamics Control
1. Activate ECO PRO.
2. "ECO PRO INDIVIDUAL"
ECO PRO climate control
Via iDrive
Climate control is set to be efficient.
1. "CAR"
This means, it is possible to deviate slightly from
the set temperature or to heat or cool the car's
interior more slowly, to economize on consump‐
tion.
2. "Settings"
3. "Driving mode"
4. "ECO PRO INDIVIDUAL"
5. Select the desired setting.
ECO PRO light and sight
The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐
rently used.
The output of exterior mirror heating and rear
window defroster is reduced.
Activating/deactivating ECO PRO
functions
The following ECO PRO functions can be acti‐
vated/deactivated:
Resetting the settings
Reset ECO PRO INDIVIDUAL to the standard
settings:
"Reset to ECO PRO STANDARD"
▷ "ECO PRO speed"
▷ "Coasting"
▷ "ECO PRO seat climate control"
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If the acceleration is inefficient, the area between
the average consumption and the current con‐
sumption is colored red.
Display in the instrument cluster
General information
When ECO PRO driving mode is activated, the
display switches to a special configuration.
In addition, the following information is displayed,
depending on the situation:
▷ Depending on the equipment: the total dis‐
tance driven while coasting, refer to
page 321.
ECO PRO bonus range
A modified driving style helps you
extend your driving range.
▷ The total time that the engine has been
switched off, refer to page 133, during auto‐
matic engine stops.
The range extension can be dis‐
played as the bonus range in the
instrument cluster.
▷ A gear shift indicator, refer to page 158, rec‐
ommending the use of a more efficient gear.
The efficiency display includes the bonus range,
refer to page 152.
Indications on the Control
Display
If the bonus range appears in gray, the current
driving style is inefficient.
The display turns blue as soon as all conditions
for efficient driving are met.
General information
Information about the current effectiveness of
the ECO PRO functions can be displayed as en‐
ergy flow.
The intervals for resetting the bonus range de‐
pend on the settings of the trip data, refer to
page 161.
Displaying energy flow information
Via iDrive:
Consumption display
1. "CAR"
2. "Driving information"
3. "Energy flow"
The following functions are displayed:
▷ Auto Start/Stop function.
▷ Energy recovery.
▷ Coasting.
A pointer in the consumption display informs
about the current driving style:
Coasting
▷ The current consumption in relation to the
average consumption is displayed.
Concept
▷ Pointer in the area of arrow 1: display of the
energy recovered by coasting or when brak‐
ing.
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 con‐
▷ Pointer in the area of arrow 2: display when
accelerating.
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sumption. Selector lever position D remains en‐
gaged.
2. To activate coasting mode, actuate the right
shift paddle again.
This driving condition is referred to as coasting.
To deactivate, actuate the left shift paddle.
As soon as you step on the brake or accelerator
pedal, the engine is automatically coupled again.
Display
Display in the instrument cluster
General information
The coasting distance traveled is indicated
in coasting mode.
Coasting is a component of the ECO PRO driv‐
ing mode.
Coasting is automatically activated when ECO
PRO mode is called via the Driving Dynamics
Control.
Indications on the Control Display
The coasting mode is displayed under energy
flow while driving.
A proactive driving style helps the driver to use
the function often and supports the efficient ef‐
fect of coasting.
The distance traveled in coasting mode is dis‐
played in the trip data.
Functional requirements
The function is available in the speed range from
approx. 16 mph/25 km/h to 100 mph/160 km/h.
The function is active if the following conditions
are met:
▷ Accelerator pedal not depressed.
▷ Brake pedal not depressed or only slightly
depressed.
Color code blue: coasting mode.
▷ The selector lever is in selector lever position
D.
Displaying energy flow information
Via iDrive:
▷ Engine and transmission are at operating
temperature.
▷ Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function,
ACC, not activated.
1. "CAR"
2. "Driving information"
3. "Energy flow"
Operation via shift paddles
Concept
The coasting driving condition can be influenced
with the shift paddles.
System limits
The function is not available under one of the fol‐
lowing conditions.
▷ DSC OFF or TRACTION activated.
▷ Driving in the dynamic limit range and on
steep uphill or downhill grades.
Activating/deactivating coasting via
shift paddles
▷ Battery charge status temporarily too low or
vehicle electrical system drawing excessive
current.
1. Shift to the highest gear by pulling the right
shift paddle.
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Driving style analysis
Concept
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.
This display will help you adjust your driving style
and save some fuel.
General information
The current trip is assessed.
To assist with an efficient driving style, ECO
PRO tips are displayed during driving.
The range of the vehicle can be extended by ad‐
justing your driving style.
This gain in range is displayed as a bonus range
in the instrument cluster and on the Control Dis‐
play.
Functional requirement
The function is available in ECO PRO driving
mode.
Calling up the Driving style
analysis
Via iDrive:
1. "CAR"
2. "Driving information"
3. "Driving style analysis"
Display on the Control Display
The display of the Driving style analysis shows
the efficiency of the Driving style.
The more efficient the driving style, the more
bars are displayed in color and the faster the bo‐
nus range increases.
In contrast, a reduced number of bars will be dis‐
played with an inefficient driving style.
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