DRIVING HINTS for your BMW 1 Series 2019-2024

Luggage compartment  
CONTROLS  
holders as far as they will go, arrow 1, and  
push forwards.  
4. Attach the luggage compartment separating  
net with the two lower hooks into the rear  
eyes on the folded rear seat backrest, ar‐  
rows 2, raise the rear seat backrests a little to  
do this if necessary.  
Make sure that the lower hooks are hooked  
into the eyes from behind.  
253  
 
Driving precautions  
DRIVING HINTS  
Driving precautions  
Engine, gearbox and differential  
Up to 2000 km, 1200 miles  
Do not exceed the maximum engine revs and  
speed:  
Vehicle equipment  
This chapter describes all standard, country-spe‐  
cific and optional equipment available for the  
model series. It may therefore describe equip‐  
ment and functions which are not installed in  
your vehicle, for example on account of the spe‐  
cial equipment selected or the country specifica‐  
tion. This also applies to safety-relevant func‐  
tions and systems. Please comply with the  
relevant laws and regulations when using the  
corresponding functions and systems.  
With petrol engines, 4500 rpm and 160 km/h,  
100 mph.  
With diesel engines, 3500 rpm and 150 km/h,  
93 mph.  
Generally avoid kick-down and driving under full  
load.  
From 2000 km, 1200 miles onwards  
Engine and road speeds can be gradually in‐  
creased.  
Running in  
General  
Moving parts need to adjust to each other.  
Tyres  
Due to the manufacturing process, new tyres do  
not achieve their full road grip immediately.  
The following notes will help to maximise the ve‐  
hicle's lifetime and efficiency.  
Drive moderately for the first 300 km, 200 miles.  
Do not use Launch Control, see page 140, when  
running in.  
Brake system  
Safety note  
Brake discs and pads only achieve their full ef‐  
fectiveness after approximately 500 km,  
300 miles. Drive moderately 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 take action promptly  
if necessary. Please comply with running-in  
procedures for the corresponding parts and  
components.  
Clutch  
The clutch only begins to function optimally at  
approximately 500 km, 300 miles. Engage the  
clutch gently during this running-in period.  
After fitting new parts  
Please comply with the running-in procedures  
again if the components previously referred to  
are renewed.  
254  
 
Driving precautions  
DRIVING HINTS  
parking, no flammable materials can come into  
contact with hot vehicle parts.  
General driving information  
Closing the tailgate  
Safety note  
Exhaust gas particle filter  
Principle  
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  
When open, the tailgate protrudes above the  
vehicle and in the event of an accident, or when  
braking or carrying out evasive manoeuvres,  
can endanger vehicle occupants and other road  
users or damage the vehicle. There is also a  
risk of exhaust fumes entering the interior of  
the vehicle. There is a risk of injury or material  
damage. Do not drive with the tailgate open.  
General  
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.  
Driving with the tailgate open  
If there is no alternative to driving with the tail‐  
gate open:  
There may be a small amount of smoke from  
the exhaust, even after stopping the engine.  
Close all the windows and the glass sunroof.  
Adjust the blower to a high setting.  
Maintain a moderate speed.  
Noise, for example caused by the radiator fan  
running, may be heard, even some minutes  
after stopping the engine.  
It is normal for the radiator fan to keep running  
for several minutes, even after short trips.  
Hot exhaust system  
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.  
WARNING  
High temperatures may occur under the vehicle  
body during driving, for example because of the  
exhaust system. Contact with the exhaust sys‐  
tem can lead to burns. There is a risk of injury.  
Do not touch the hot exhaust system, including  
the exhaust pipe.  
Proceed as follows the next time you drive out‐  
side of built-up areas for around 30 minutes:  
Deactivate cruise Control systems.  
WARNING  
Take your foot off the accelerator repeatedly  
and allow the vehicle to roll in overrun mode,  
see page 268.  
If flammable materials, for example leaves or  
grass, come into contact with hot parts of the  
exhaust system, these materials can catch fire.  
There is a risk of fire and injury. Never remove  
the heat shields fitted here or apply underseal  
to them. Make sure that when driving, idling or  
If possible, drive at alternating speeds.  
255  
 
Driving precautions  
DRIVING HINTS  
This situation, known as aquaplaning, means that  
Peak power  
the tyre can actually lose contact completely with  
the road surface and the vehicle can neither be  
steered, nor the brakes properly applied.  
Temporary peak power is delivered in relation to  
environmental factors. It may reach around 10 %  
above the rated power. The duration of the peak  
power increases as the ambient temperature  
rises.  
Driving through water  
General  
Please comply with the following when driving  
through water:  
At 25 ℃/77 ℉, it lasts around 5 seconds.  
At -20 ℃/-4 ℉, it lasts around 40 seconds.  
The information regarding peak power applies to  
20i petrol engines.  
Deactivate the Automatic Start/Stop function.  
Only drive through still water.  
Radio signals  
Only drive through water up to a max. depth  
of 25 cm, 9.8 in.  
WARNING  
Drive through water at a walking speed of no  
more than 5 km/h, 3 mph.  
Certain vehicle functions may be affected by in‐  
terference from high-frequency radio signals.  
Such signals are output from a series of trans‐  
mission systems, for example from air traffic  
beacons or relay stations for mobile telecom‐  
munications.  
Safety note  
NOTE  
We recommend you consult your Service Cen‐  
tre should you experience any difficulties.  
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.  
Mobile communication in the  
vehicle  
WARNING  
Safe braking  
General  
The vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Brake  
System ABS as standard.  
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  
risk of injury or material damage. If possible,  
only use mobile radio devices, for example mo‐  
bile telephones, in the interior if they are con‐  
nected directly to an external aerial in order to  
eliminate reciprocal interference and to divert  
the radiation away from the vehicle's interior.  
Perform full braking in situations that require it.  
The vehicle remains steerable. Any obstacles  
can be avoided by steering as smoothly as possi‐  
ble.  
A pulsing of the brake pedal and hydraulic regu‐  
lating sounds indicate that the Anti-lock Brake  
System ABS is functioning.  
Aquaplaning  
On wet or slushy roads, a wedge of water can  
form between the tyres and the road.  
In certain braking situations, the perforated brake  
discs can cause functional noise. However, func‐  
256  
 
Driving precautions  
DRIVING HINTS  
tional noises have no effect on the efficiency and  
operational safety of the brakes.  
Safety notes  
WARNING  
Objects in the movement range of  
the pedals  
Even slight but continuous pressure on the  
brake pedal can cause overheating, brake pad  
wear or even brake system failure. There is a  
risk of accident. Avoid excessive loads on the  
brake.  
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. Ensure that  
items in the vehicle are stowed securely and  
cannot 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 mats on top of one another. Make sure  
that there is sufficient space for the pedals. En‐  
sure that floor mats are securely reattached af‐  
ter removal, for example for cleaning.  
WARNING  
When idling or with the engine switched off,  
safety-relevant functions, for example engine  
braking effect or steering and braking force as‐  
sistance, are either restricted or not available at  
all. There is a risk of accident. Do not drive at  
idle speed or with the engine switched off.  
Corrosion of the brake discs  
Corrosion of the brake discs and contamination  
of the brake pads increase in the following cir‐  
cumstances:  
Wet roads  
In wet weather, on gritted roads and in heavy  
rain, apply the brakes lightly every few kilome‐  
tres/miles.  
Low mileage.  
Extended periods when the vehicle is not  
used.  
Ensure that you do not obstruct other road users  
when doing so.  
Infrequent use of the brakes.  
The heat generated by braking dries the brake  
discs and brake pads and protects them against  
corrosion.  
Aggressive, acidic or alkaline cleaning agents.  
During braking, corroded brake discs may cause  
brake judder which usually cannot be eliminated.  
This helps to maintain the brake power so that it  
is available immediately when needed.  
Condensation when vehicle is  
parked  
Downhill gradients  
When the automatic air conditioning is in opera‐  
tion, condensation develops and exits under‐  
neath the vehicle.  
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.  
Roof rack  
Engine braking effect can be additionally in‐  
creased by manually shifting down, even into first  
gear, if applicable.  
General  
Roof racks are available as special equipment.  
257  
 
Driving precautions  
DRIVING HINTS  
Distribute the roof load evenly.  
Safety note  
The roof load must not be spread over a large  
area.  
WARNING  
Place heavy items of luggage at the bottom.  
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 risk  
of accident or material damage. Do not deacti‐  
vate Dynamic Stability Control DSC when driv‐  
ing with a roof load.  
Securely fasten the luggage, for example with  
tensioning straps.  
Do not allow objects to protrude into the  
swing range of the tailgate.  
Drive cautiously and avoid sudden accelera‐  
tion, braking or cornering.  
Roof strip with flaps  
The mounting points are located on the roof strip  
above the doors.  
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 that have been classified as  
suitable by the vehicle manufacturer are available  
as special equipment.  
Bicycle rack systems for up to three bicycles can  
be used.  
Fold the cover outwards.  
Fitting  
Fitting  
Follow the installation instructions for the roof  
rack.  
Follow the installation instructions for the rear  
luggage rack.  
Make sure that there is sufficient space to raise  
and open the glass sunroof.  
Loads  
A loaded roof rack alters the vehicle's road be‐  
haviour and steering response by shifting its cen‐  
tre of gravity.  
When loading and driving, bear the following in  
mind:  
Do not exceed the permitted roof and axle  
loads or the permitted gross weight.  
Make sure that there is sufficient space to  
raise and open the glass sunroof.  
258  
 
Driving precautions  
DRIVING HINTS  
Do not exceed the permitted axle load or the  
permitted gross weight.  
Loads  
Drive smoothly and avoid sudden accelera‐  
tion and braking or fast cornering.  
Driving on a racing track  
WARNING  
The vehicle is not designed for use in motor‐  
sport competitions or similar. There is a risk of  
accident. Do not use the vehicle in motorsport  
competitions or similar.  
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.  
The higher mechanical and thermal loads in‐  
volved when driving on racetracks lead to in‐  
creased wear. This wear is not covered by the  
warranty.  
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.  
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.  
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.  
Before a journey  
Before beginning the journey, check that the rear  
lights on the rear luggage rack are working.  
The maximum power of the rear luggage rack  
rear lights must not exceed the values for trailer  
rear lights, see page 261.  
To prevent functional limitations and malfunc‐  
tions affecting Driver Assistance Systems, acti‐  
vate towing a trailer mode, see page 263.  
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:  
259  
 
Towing a trailer  
DRIVING HINTS  
Towing a trailer  
towbar-mounted carrying device, such as, for ex‐  
ample, 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 optional equipment available for the  
model series. It may therefore describe equip‐  
ment and functions which are not installed in  
your vehicle, for example on account of the spe‐  
cial equipment selected or the country specifica‐  
tion. This also applies to safety-relevant func‐  
tions 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  
Consult a Service Partner of the manufacturer or  
another qualified Service Partner or a specialist  
workshop about options for increasing the loads.  
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. Do not exceed the permitted total weight  
of the towing vehicle.  
For Australia/New Zealand:  
note  
Towing  
The Australian/New Zealand Standards AS  
Loads  
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 trailer tow hitch sup‐  
plied with your BMW vehicle should only be used  
for towing purposes, the trailer tow hitch assem‐  
bly should not be used in conjunction with any  
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  
260  
 
Towing a trailer  
DRIVING HINTS  
exceeded. The lower value is the limit which  
should be adhered to.  
Not Australia/New Zealand: Trailer  
rear lights  
The power output of the trailer's rear lights must  
not exceed the following values:  
Tyre inflation pressure  
Check the vehicle's and the trailer's tyre inflation  
pressures carefully.  
Turn indicators: 42 watt per side.  
Tail lights: 50 watt per side.  
Brake lights: 84 watt total.  
On the vehicle, the tyre inflation pressure for  
higher loads applies.  
Rear fog lights: 42 watt total.  
Reversing lights: 42 watt total.  
For information about the tyre inflation pressure,  
see page 284.  
For the trailer, the regulations of the manufac‐  
turer apply.  
Australia/New Zealand: Trailer rear  
lights  
Turn indicators: 54 watt per side.  
Tail lights: 100 watt in total.  
Brake lights: 108 watt total.  
Reversing lights: 54 watt total.  
Runflat indicator RPA  
Initialise the runflat indicator, see page 301, after  
the tyre inflation pressure has been corrected or  
a trailer has been attached or detached.  
Tyre Pressure Monitor TPM  
Reset the Tyre Pressure Monitor, see page 294,  
after the tyre inflation pressure has been correc‐  
ted or a trailer has been attached or detached.  
Towing a trailer  
General  
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.  
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.  
Safety notes  
WARNING  
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 risk of  
accident or material damage.  
Power consumption  
General  
Before beginning your journey, check the func‐  
tion of the trailer rear lights.  
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.  
When towing a caravan, keep the activation  
times of power consumers short to avoid placing  
an excessive load on the vehicle battery.  
261  
 
Towing a trailer  
DRIVING HINTS  
WARNING  
High loads and high outside  
temperature  
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  
risk of accident or material damage. Do not ex‐  
ceed a speed of 100 km/h / 60 mph. Increase  
the tyre inflation pressure of the towing vehicle  
by 0.2 bar. Note the maximum possible tyre in‐  
flation pressure stated on the tyre.  
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  
a high outside temperature, the fuel tank is  
more than 1/4 full.  
Upward gradients  
General  
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.  
Trailer Stability Control  
Principle  
The system helps you to neutralise a trailer's  
tendency to swing from side to side.  
If higher trailer loads have been retrospectively  
approved, the limit is 8%.  
Trailer Stability Control detects snaking move‐  
ments and promptly brakes the vehicle so that  
road speed falls to below the critical range and  
the car/trailer combination is stabilised.  
Driving off on upward gradients  
The parking brake is automatically released  
when the accelerator pedal is operated.  
To prevent the vehicle from rolling back when  
driving off, use the parking brake.  
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.  
1.  
Shortly before driving off, pull and re‐  
lease the switch.  
The parking brake is engaged.  
2. Accelerate sufficiently to drive off.  
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.  
Downhill gradients  
On downward gradients, a car/trailer combination  
tends to start snaking earlier.  
System limits  
The system is unable to intervene or intervenes  
too late, in the following situations for example:  
Before the downward gradient, shift down man‐  
ually to the next-lowest gear and drive down‐  
wards slowly.  
If a trailer folds instantly, for example on slip‐  
pery or loose road surfaces.  
262  
 
Towing a trailer  
DRIVING HINTS  
If a trailer with a high centre of gravity tips  
over before snaking is detected.  
WARNING  
If Dynamic Stability Control DSC is deactiva‐  
ted or has malfunctioned.  
If the ball linkage is not locked, unstable driving  
conditions or accidents can result. There is a  
risk of accident or material damage. Before a  
journey with a trailer or load carrier, check that  
the ball linkage is correctly locked.  
If the power consumption of a trailer is too  
low to be detected by the system, for exam‐  
ple due to LED rear lights.  
Storage  
Activating towing a trailer  
mode  
Removable ball linkage is located under luggage  
compartment floor.  
Principle  
Ball linkage bracket  
When driving with a trailer or load carrier and the  
trailer socket occupied, some driver assistance  
systems may have functional limitations or may  
malfunction. In order to avoid malfunctions, acti‐  
vate towing a trailer mode.  
Activating towing a trailer mode  
Via iDrive:  
1. "My Vehicle"  
The bracket for the ball linkage is on the under‐  
side of the vehicle.  
2. "Vehicle settings"  
3. "Trailer mode"  
Follow the maintenance instructions, see  
page 345.  
4. Activate towing a trailer mode.  
Not for Australia/New  
Overview  
Zealand: Trailer tow hitch  
Safety notes  
WARNING  
Parts of the body can become trapped when  
inserting the ball linkage. There is a risk of in‐  
jury. When inserting the ball linkage, make sure  
that the area of movement is kept clear.  
1
2
3
Lock display  
Lock  
Handwheel  
263  
 
Towing a trailer  
DRIVING HINTS  
Indicator on the ball linkage  
The lock is open if the handwheel can be  
pressed, arrow 1.  
The colour of the indicator on the ball linkage  
shows the locking status.  
Pre-tensioning the handwheel  
Colour  
Locking status  
If the indicator is orange, pre-tension the hand‐  
wheel:  
Red  
Lock open, ball linkage  
can be inserted or re‐  
moved.  
1. Hold ball linkage firmly.  
2. Press the handwheel, arrow 1, and turn in di‐  
rection of the arrow as far as it will go, ar‐  
row 2.  
Green  
Lock closed, ball link‐  
age is fitted firmly.  
Orange  
Lock closed, ball link‐  
age is not fitted firmly.  
Attaching ball linkage  
Operating requirements  
The ball linkage can be inserted if the following  
conditions are met:  
3. Handwheel engages.  
The lock is open.  
The indicator on the handwheel is red.  
Inserting ball linkage  
1. Pull bracket cover downwards and store in  
the vehicle.  
Opening the lock  
Open the lock with the key supplied.  
264  
 
Towing a trailer  
DRIVING HINTS  
2. Insert the ball linkage from underneath into  
the bracket and push upwards, arrow 1.  
Removing ball linkage  
1. Fold up the lock cover.  
2. Insert key and unlock the lock in the hand‐  
wheel.  
3. Remove the key.  
4. Hold ball linkage firmly.  
5. Press the handwheel, arrow 1, and turn in di‐  
rection of arrow as far as it will go, arrow 2.  
3. Pull the ball linkage backwards until it en‐  
gages, arrow 2.  
The ball linkage is inserted correctly if the indica‐  
tor on the handwheel is green.  
Locking the lock  
The lock is used for preventing theft.  
6. Pull the ball linkage out of the bracket.  
7. Release the handwheel.  
1. Insert the key into the lock.  
2. Lock the lock in the handwheel.  
3. Remove the key.  
8. Insert cover in bracket.  
Trailer socket  
General  
The socket is underneath the bumper next to the  
bracket for the ball linkage.  
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:  
The indicator on the handwheel is green.  
Ball linkage is lying flush in the bracket.  
The lock is locked and the key is removed.  
Safety notes  
WARNING  
If the indicator on the handwheel is not green,  
pre-tension the handwheel, see page 264.  
The socket for the trailer or rear luggage rack  
can heat up due to exhaust gases. There is a  
risk of injury. Allow the trailer socket to cool be‐  
fore swivelling out.  
If the ball linkage is not flush with the bracket,  
clean the bracket and the ball linkage, see  
page 263.  
If the lock is locked, open it, see page 264.  
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.  
265  
 
Towing a trailer  
DRIVING HINTS  
WARNING  
Operating rear luggage  
racks  
The socket for the trailer or rear luggage rack is  
located near to protruding parts of the vehicle  
body. There is a risk of injury. Do not touch any  
parts of the body when swivelling the trailer  
socket in and out.  
The ball linkage of the trailer tow hitch can be  
used as a mount for rear luggage racks; for ex‐  
ample bicycle rack systems.  
Note the information on rear luggage racks when  
operating the rear luggage rack, see page 258.  
Swivelling in and out  
1. Grip the socket at the side.  
2. Swivel the socket out or in up to the end po‐  
sition. To make it easier to swivel, pull the  
socket back slightly.  
Eye for securing cable  
There is an eye on the trailer tow hitch bracket  
for attaching the trailer securing cable.  
For increased safety when towing a trailer, attach  
the trailer securing cable to the eye.  
Check that the securing cable can move freely  
and is not dragging on the ground.  
266  
 
Saving fuel  
DRIVING HINTS  
Saving fuel  
Close windows and the glass  
sunroof  
An open glass sunroof or open window increase  
drag and consequently fuel consumption.  
Vehicle equipment  
This chapter describes all standard, country-spe‐  
cific and optional equipment available for the  
model series. It may therefore describe equip‐  
ment and functions which are not installed in  
your vehicle, for example on account of the spe‐  
cial equipment selected or the country specifica‐  
tion. This also applies to safety-relevant func‐  
tions and systems. Please comply with the  
relevant laws and regulations when using the  
corresponding functions and systems.  
Tyres  
General  
Tyres can have differing effects on consumption  
figures. Consumption can be affected by the size  
of the tyres, for example.  
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.  
Reducing fuel consumption  
General  
The vehicle possesses wide-ranging technolo‐  
gies for reducing consumption and emission lev‐  
els.  
Insufficient tyre inflation pressure increases roll‐  
ing resistance and consequently fuel consump‐  
tion and tyre wear.  
Fuel consumption depends on various factors.  
Observe the correct tyre inflation pressure and  
the ECO tyre inflation pressure where applicable.  
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.  
For information about the tyre inflation pressure,  
see page 284.  
Drive off immediately  
Remove unnecessary loads  
Do not warm up the engine with the vehicle at a  
standstill, but instead set off straight away, driv‐  
ing at moderate engine speeds.  
Extra weight increases fuel consumption.  
Remove add-on accessories  
after use  
If no longer required, remove auxiliary mirrors,  
roof racks and rear-mounted racks after use.  
This brings the cold engine up to operating tem‐  
perature as quickly as possible.  
Think ahead  
Anticipating the road situation and adopting a  
smooth driving style will reduce fuel consump‐  
tion.  
Add-on accessories on the vehicle can adversely  
affect its aerodynamic performance and increase  
fuel consumption.  
Avoid accelerating and braking unnecessarily.  
Keep an appropriate distance from the vehicle  
ahead.  
267  
 
Saving fuel  
DRIVING HINTS  
The ECO PRO drive mode supports energy-sav‐  
ing use of comfort functions. These functions are  
automatically deactivated wholly or partially.  
Avoid high engine speeds  
Driving at low engine speeds reduces fuel con‐  
sumption and wear.  
Pay attention to the optimum shift indicator, see  
page 150, in the vehicle, if fitted.  
Have maintenance work carried  
out  
Have the vehicle serviced regularly to achieve  
optimal economy and lifetime. BMW recom‐  
mends having maintenance work carried out by a  
BMW Service Partner.  
Make use of overrun mode  
When approaching a red traffic light, take your  
foot off the accelerator and allow the vehicle to  
roll.  
Please also see the BMW Maintenance System,  
see page 319.  
On downward stretches, take your foot off the  
accelerator and allow the vehicle to roll.  
The fuel supply is interrupted in overrun mode.  
ECO PRO  
Switch off the engine if stopping  
for longer periods  
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.  
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.  
Steptronic transmission: the engine is discon‐  
nected from the gearbox in selector lever posi‐  
tion D under certain circumstances. The vehicle  
rolls when idling to optimise consumption. Selec‐  
tor lever position D remains engaged.  
Auto Start Stop function  
The Auto Start Stop function of the vehicle shuts  
off the engine automatically during a stop.  
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, situation-dependent notes, ECO  
PRO tips, can be displayed which help you to  
drive with optimum consumption.  
In the instrument cluster, the extension of the  
range achieved as a result can be displayed as a  
bonus range.  
Fuel consumption also depends on other factors,  
such as driving style, road condition, mainte‐  
nance or environmental factors, for example.  
General  
The system comprises the following  
EfficientDynamics functions and  
EfficientDynamics displays:  
Switch off functions which are  
not currently required  
Functions such as seat heating or rear window  
heating require a great deal of energy and in‐  
crease fuel consumption, especially in city traffic  
and stop-and-go traffic.  
ECO PRO bonus range, see page 270.  
ECO PRO air conditioning, see page 269.  
Route-ahead assistant, see page 271.  
Coasting driving state, see page 272.  
Driving style analysis, see page 274.  
Switch these functions off if they are not re‐  
quired.  
268  
 
Saving fuel  
DRIVING HINTS  
"ECO PRO climate control"  
"ECO PRO light and sight"  
"Route-ahead assistant"  
Overview  
The settings are saved for the current driver pro‐  
file.  
ECO PRO Limit  
"ECO PRO limit": activate ECO PRO limit.  
An ECO PRO tip is shown when the speed of  
the set ECO PRO limit is exceeded.  
Button  
"Tip at:"  
Set the required speed for the ECO PRO  
limit.  
Activating ECO PRO  
Press the button. ECO PRO is displayed  
in the instrument cluster.  
Coasting  
The coasting function enables the engine to be  
operated at idle when decelerating in order to  
optimise consumption.  
Configuring ECO PRO  
INDIVIDUAL  
Deactivate the function to use the braking effect  
of the engine when driving downhill.  
Calling up via the Driving Experience  
Control  
ECO PRO seat air conditioning  
The output from the seat heating is reduced  
when ECO PRO is activated.  
1. Activating ECO PRO.  
2. "Configure ECO PRO INDIVIDUAL"  
ECO PRO air conditioning  
The air conditioning is adjusted for efficient con‐  
sumption.  
Calling up via iDrive  
1. "My Vehicle"  
2. "Vehicle settings"  
To achieve this, the set temperature is adjusted  
slightly and the interior is heated or cooled more  
slowly to reduce consumption.  
3. "Driving Experience Control"  
4. "Configure ECO PRO INDIVIDUAL"  
5. Select the desired setting.  
The setting is saved for the current driver profile.  
Mirror heating is available when the outside tem‐  
perature is low.  
ECO PRO light and sight  
Enabling/disabling ECO PRO  
functions  
The following ECO PRO functions can be activa‐  
ted/deactivated:  
The power output of the exterior mirror and the  
rear window heating is reduced. Depending on  
the equipment, the dynamic ECO light function  
is activated additionally.  
"ECO PRO limit"  
"Coasting"  
"ECO PRO seat climate control"  
269  
 
Saving fuel  
DRIVING HINTS  
Route-ahead assistant  
Consumption display  
The route-ahead assistant detects upcoming  
route stages and alerts the driver.  
Instrument cluster without extended  
functionality  
Resetting settings  
Reset ECO PRO INDIVIDUAL to the default set‐  
ting:  
"Reset to ECO PRO STANDARD"  
Display in the instrument cluster  
ECO PRO bonus range  
An extension of range can be  
achieved due to adjusted driving  
style.  
Information about the current driving style  
A pointer in the consumption display provides in‐  
formation about the current driving style:  
The range extension can be dis‐  
played as bonus range in the in‐  
strument cluster.  
The current consumption in relation to the  
average consumption is displayed.  
The bonus range is contained in the display of  
the range.  
Pointer in the area arrow 1: display of the en‐  
ergy recuperation achieved when rolling or  
when braking.  
Depending on the equipment version, blue bar  
segments indicate the range gained in steps.  
Pointer in area arrow 2: display when acceler‐  
ating.  
If the bonus range is shown in grey, the current  
driving style is inefficient.  
If the acceleration is inefficient, the area between  
average consumption and current consumption  
is coloured red.  
The display turns blue as soon as all the condi‐  
tions for driving with optimised consumption are  
met.  
The following information is also displayed, de‐  
pending on the situation:  
After filling up, the bonus range is automatically  
reset.  
Depending on the equipment version: the  
route covered in the coasting driving state,  
see page 273.  
The total time with the engine switched off,  
see page 124, during automatic engine  
stops.  
A optimum shift indicator, see page 150, as  
recommendation to engage a more efficient  
gear.  
270  
 
Saving fuel  
DRIVING HINTS  
Resetting consumption history  
Display on the Control Display  
Via iDrive:  
Displaying EfficientDynamics  
information  
1.  
Press the button.  
The current operating method of the ECO PRO  
functions can be shown on the Control Display.  
2. "Reset consumption history"  
Via iDrive:  
Route-ahead assistant  
1. "My Vehicle"  
2. "Technology in action"  
3. "EfficientDynamics"  
Principle  
The function helps to save fuel and supports an  
anticipatory driving style. Using the navigation  
data, certain sections of the route ahead can be  
detected early and information can be shared  
with the driver.  
4.  
Select the symbol.  
Following functions are displayed:  
Auto Start Stop function.  
Energy recuperation.  
Coasting.  
General  
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 following functions can be shown on the  
Control Display:  
The alert is also given if the section of the route  
ahead cannot yet be detected when driving.  
Average consumption.  
The route covered while coasting.  
The alert is shown until the section of the route  
is reached.  
The duration for which the Automatic Start/  
Stop function has stopped the engine.  
If an alert is given, vehicle speed can then be re‐  
duced in an efficient way by removing your foot  
from the accelerator and allowing the vehicle to  
roll until the section of road is reached.  
Via iDrive:  
1. "My Vehicle"  
2. "Technology in action"  
3. "EfficientDynamics"  
Depending on the situation, the system also in‐  
dependently used the engine brake by interrupt‐  
ing the coasting function, see page 272.  
4.  
Select the symbol.  
Vertical bars show the consumption for the se‐  
lected route.  
Operating requirements  
ECO PRO driving mode is activated.  
Selecting the route length  
Via iDrive:  
The function must be available in the country  
in which the vehicle is being driven.  
1.  
Press the button.  
2. "Scaling:"  
3. Select the desired setting.  
271  
 
Saving fuel  
DRIVING HINTS  
2. "Technology in action"  
3. "Driving style analysis"  
Display  
Display in the instrument cluster  
Using route-ahead assistant  
A section of the route ahead is shown:  
An alert regarding a section of the route  
ahead is given as a recommendation to  
allow the vehicle to roll.  
1. Remove your foot from the accelerator.  
An additional symbol shows the detected section  
of the route:  
2. Allow the vehicle to roll until you reach the  
section of road displayed.  
3. Adjust the speed by braking as necessary.  
Symbol Section of the road in front  
Speed limit or town entrance.  
System limits  
The function is not available in the following sit‐  
uations:  
Junction or turn, exit from a fast  
road.  
The speed is below 50 km/h, 30 mph.  
With a temporary and variable speed limit,  
such as at road works.  
Corner.  
With inadequate quality of the navigation  
data.  
Roundabout.  
With Active Cruise Control.  
Coasting  
Display in the Head-Up Display  
The advance notice alert can also be  
shown in the Head-Up Display.  
Principle  
The engine is automatically disconnected from  
the gearbox in selector lever position D under  
certain circumstances. The vehicle continues to  
roll in neutral to reduce consumption. Selector  
lever position D remains engaged. This vehicle  
condition is called coasting.  
Display on the control display  
As soon as the brake or accelerator pedal is  
pressed, the engine is automatically connected  
again.  
General  
Coasting is a component of the ECO PRO drive  
mode and the COMFORT drive mode.  
An alert is shown in the driving style analysis dis‐  
play on the Control Display if there is a corre‐  
sponding section of the route.  
Coasting is automatically activated by calling up  
the ECO PRO drive mode or COMFORT drive  
mode via the Driving Experience Control and  
cannot be deactivated.  
Call up the driving style analysis display via iDrive:  
1. "My Vehicle"  
272  
 
Saving fuel  
DRIVING HINTS  
A precautionary driving style helps to use the  
function frequently and supports the consump‐  
tion-reducing effect of coasting.  
Display  
Instrument cluster without extended  
functionality  
Operating requirements  
The function is available in the speed range from  
approx. 25 km/h, 16 mph to 160 km/h, 100 mph.  
The marking in the consumption  
display on the on-board computer  
has a blue background and is at  
zero.  
The function is active if the following conditions  
are met:  
The revolution counter indicates  
System detects a calm and smooth driving  
style.  
that the engine is approximately at idle speed.  
Accelerator pedal is not pressed or accelera‐  
tor pedal is released.  
ECO PRO driving mode: Displays on  
the control display  
In EfficientDynamics, the coasting drive state is  
shown during the journey.  
Brake pedal not pressed or only pressed  
lightly.  
Selector lever in selector lever position D.  
The route covered in the coasting drive state is  
displayed in the consumption history. The coun‐  
ter reading is reset each time you fill up.  
Engine and gearbox are at operating temper‐  
ature.  
System does not detect any vehicles ahead  
of you.  
The system does not detect any obstructive  
traffic situations or routes.  
Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function,  
ACC, not activated.  
Operation via shift paddles  
Principle  
Blue colour: coasting drive state.  
The coasting state can be controlled using the  
shift paddles.  
Displaying EfficientDynamics  
information  
Via iDrive:  
Activating, deactivating coasting  
using shift paddles  
1. Pull the right-hand shift paddle to shift to top  
gear.  
1. "My Vehicle"  
2. "Technology in action"  
3. "EfficientDynamics"  
2. To activate coasting mode, actuate the right-  
hand shift paddle again.  
System limits  
Actuate the left-hand shift paddle to deactivate.  
The function is not available, if one of the  
following conditions is met:  
DSC OFF or TRACTION activated.  
273  
 
Saving fuel  
DRIVING HINTS  
If Cruise Control is activated.  
Display on the Control Display  
Driving in the handling limit range or on up‐  
ward or downward gradients.  
Battery charge state temporally too low or too  
high power requirement in the on-board net‐  
work.  
Towing a trailer.  
Driving style analysis  
The display of the ECO PRO driving style analy‐  
ser consists of a symbolised road and a perform‐  
ance table.  
Principle  
The function helps you to develop a particularly  
efficient driving style and to save fuel.  
The road symbolises the efficiency of the driving  
style. The more efficient the driving style, the  
smoother the road appears on the image, ar‐  
row 1.  
To do this, the driving style is analysed. The eval‐  
uation is performed in various categories and is  
shown on the Control Display.  
The performance table contains stars. The more  
efficient the driving style, the more stars are con‐  
tained in the table, arrow 2, and the faster the bo‐  
nus range increases.  
Using this display, the individual driving style can  
be adjusted to save fuel.  
General  
The current trip is evaluated.  
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.  
Adapting the driving style can increase the range  
of the vehicle.  
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.  
Calling up ECO PRO driving style  
analysis  
Via iDrive:  
1. "My Vehicle"  
2. "Technology in action"  
3. "Driving style analysis"  
274