2007 BMW 5 Series Owner's Manual - Page 135

vehicle electronics and mobile communication device can influence one another. In addition, there is no assurance that the radiation which results from transmission will be dissipated from the vehicle interior.< 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.< Hydroplaning When driving on wet or slushy roads, reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge of water can form between tires and road surface. This phenomenon is referred to as hydroplaning, and 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.< The risk of hydroplaning increases as the tread depth of the tires decreases, refer also to Minimum tire tread on page 225. 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. Using handbrake on inclines On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with the clutch; use the handbrake. Otherwise greater clutch wear will result.< Hills To prevent overheating and the resulting reduced efficiency of the brake system, drive long or steep downhill gradients in the gear in which the least braking is required. Even light but consistent pressure on the brake pedal 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 63. 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.< 133 Starting assistant The starting assistant enables you to start off conveniently on slopes. The handbrake is not required for this purpose. 1. Hold the vehicle with the footbrake. 2. Release the footbrake and drive off quickly. The starting assistant holds the vehicle for approx. 2 seconds after releasing the footbrake. Depending on the load, the vehicle may also roll back slightly during this time. After releasing the footbrake, drive off quickly, otherwise the starting assistant no longer holds the vehicle after approx. 2 seconds and it begins to roll back.< Online Edition for Part no. 01 41 0 013 308 02/07 BMW AG Reference Mobility Communications Entertainment 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.< Navigation Driving through water Driving tips Controls At a glance