2009 BMW 5 Series Owner's Manual - Page 138

Things to remember when driving the road surface, ultimately undermining your ability to steer and brake the vehicle.< The risk of hydroplaning increases as the tread depth of the tires decreases, refer also to Minimum tire tread on page 229. drive long or steep downhill gradients in the gear in which the least braking is required. Even light but consistent pressure on the brake can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and possibly even brake failure.< The braking effect of the engine can be further increased by downshifting, if necessary all the way down into first gear. This strategy helps you avoid placing excessive loads on the brake system. For information on downshifting in the manual mode of the automatic transmission, refer to page 65. Do not drive with the clutch depressed, in idle or with the engine switched off, otherwise there will be no engine braking action or support of the braking force and steering. Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other objects to protrude into the area of movement of the pedals and impair their operation.< Driving through water Do not drive through water on the road if it is deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the transmission may be damaged.< Using handbrake on inclines On inclines, do not hold the vehicle in place for a long time by riding the clutch; use the handbrake. Otherwise greater clutch wear will result.< Braking safely Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard feature. In situations that require it, it is best to brake with full force. Since the vehicle maintains steering responsiveness, you can still avoid possible obstacles with a minimum of steering effort. Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that ABS is in its active mode. Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal. Even light but consistent pedal pressure can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and possibly even brake failure.< Corrosion on brake rotors When the vehicle is driven only occasionally, during extended periods when the vehicle is not used at all, and in operating conditions where brake applications are less frequent, there is an increased tendency for corrosion to form on rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the brake pads. This occurs because the minimum pressure which must be exerted by the pads during brake applications to clean the rotors is not reached. Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating effect that even extended application will fail to cure. Driving in wet conditions When roads are wet or there is heavy rain, briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to ensure that this maneuver does not endanger other road users. The heat generated in this process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure that full braking efficiency will then be available when you need it. When vehicle is parked Condensation forms in the air conditioner system during operation, and then exits under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the vehicle are therefore normal. Before driving into a car wash Fold in the exterior mirrors, refer to page 55, otherwise they could be damaged due to the width of the vehicle. Hills To prevent overheating and the resulting reduced efficiency of the brake system, 136 Online Edition for Part no. 01 41 2 600 721 - © 08/08 BMW AG