DRIVING TIPS for Your BMW M2 2 Door First Generation (2016-2021)

DRIVING TIPS  
BMW M2 Technology ............................................................................. 196  
Things to remember when driving ........................................................ 197  
Loading ..................................................................................................... 201  
Saving fuel ................................................................................................ 204  
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BMW M2 Technology  
DRIVING TIPS  
BMW M2 Technology  
Because of particular structural characteristics,  
there may be operation-related noises during  
braking. The functional noises have no effect on  
the performance, operational reliability, and dura‐  
bility of the brake.  
Vehicle features and  
options  
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.  
Drivetrain  
With this vehicle, particular value was placed on  
the direct connection from engine to the drive‐  
train. Due to the torsionally rigid design of the  
drivetrain, as is typical in a sports vehicle, the  
transmission of the torque also gives acoustic  
feedback.  
High-performance engine  
When there are load changes, this may result in  
clicking noises. The clicking noises do not impair  
the operation or the service life of the compo‐  
nents.  
General information  
With a displacement of 3 liters, the high-perform‐  
ance engine generates a maximum power of  
405 hp and a maximum torque of 405 lbs  
ft/550 Nm. With its spontaneous response be‐  
havior, a speed range of wide utility results. The  
maximum engine speed is 7,500 rpm and is con‐  
trolled electronically. Because of the high engine  
dynamics, the maximum engine speed with the  
vehicle stationary is reduced.  
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.  
Warm-up  
During the engine warm-up phase, the high-per‐  
formance engine has a somewhat rougher run‐  
ning behavior because of the emission controls.  
The standard brake linings and the wear indica‐  
tors are not designed for racetrack operation.  
When the engine is cold, the exhaust system has  
a slightly metallic undertone due to the nature of  
the system.  
Compound brake  
The high-performance braking system has per‐  
forated compound brake discs.  
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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  
Drive at varying engine and road speeds, but do  
not exceed 5,500 rpm and 106 mph/170 km/h.  
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.  
Avoid full load or kickdown under all circumstan‐  
ces.  
At 1,200 miles/2,000 km  
Have drive-in checkup maintenance performed.  
From 1,200 miles/2,000 km to  
3,100 miles/5,000 km  
Breaking-in period  
The engine and road speed can gradually be in‐  
creased to a constant speed of  
137 mph/220 km/h.  
General information  
Moving parts need to begin working together  
smoothly.  
Use the maximum speed of 155 mph/250 km/h  
only briefly, for instance when passing.  
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.  
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.  
Safety information  
WARNING  
Drive conservatively for the first  
200 miles/300 km.  
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.  
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.  
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.  
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Things to remember when driving  
DRIVING TIPS  
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.  
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.  
Mobile communication devices  
in the vehicle  
General driving notes  
WARNING  
Closing the tailgate  
Safety information  
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 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.  
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,  
ultimately undermining your ability to steer and  
brake the vehicle.  
Driving with the tailgate 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.  
Driving through water  
General information  
When driving through water, follow the following:  
Hot exhaust gas system  
Drive through calm water only.  
WARNING  
Drive through water only if it is not deeper  
than maximum 9.8 in/25 cm.  
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  
Drive through water no faster than walking  
speed, up to 3 mph/5 km/h.  
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Things to remember when driving  
DRIVING TIPS  
are securely fastened again after they were re‐  
moved, for instance for cleaning.  
Safety information  
NOTICE  
Driving in wet conditions  
When roads are wet, salted, or in heavy rain, gen‐  
tly press the brake pedal every few miles.  
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.  
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  
Hills  
The vehicle is equipped with ABS as a standard  
feature.  
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.  
The pulsing of the brake pedal indicates that  
ABS is in its active mode.  
Manual transmission:  
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. Functional  
noises have no effect on the performance and  
operational reliability of the brake.  
M double-clutch transmission:  
You can increase the engine's braking effect by  
shifting down in sequential mode, refer to  
page 112.  
Objects in the movement area  
around pedals and floor area  
Safety information  
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  
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.  
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WARNING  
M Driver's Package: driving in  
the higher speed range  
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.  
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 an accident. Have damage  
corrected by a dealer’s service center or an‐  
other qualified service center or repair shop. Do  
not drive at high speeds until the damage is  
corrected.  
Brake disc corrosion  
Corrosion on the brake discs and contamination  
on the brake pads are increased by the following  
circumstances:  
Low mileage.  
Extended periods when the vehicle is not  
used at all.  
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.  
Ground clearance  
NOTICE  
If ground clearance is insufficient, there might  
be contact with the front or rear spoiler, for in‐  
stance when driving over curbs or entering into  
underground vehicle parking garages. There is  
a risk of damage to property. Ensure that there  
is sufficient ground clearance available.  
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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.  
NOTICE  
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 lbs 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  
To secure the cargo there are two or four lashing  
eyes in the cargo area.  
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 large 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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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  
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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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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 125.  
Switch off these functions if they are not needed.  
Have maintenance carried  
out  
Use coasting  
When approaching a red light, take your foot off  
the accelerator and let the vehicle coast to a halt.  
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.  
For going downhill take your foot off the acceler‐  
ator and let the vehicle roll.  
The flow of fuel is interrupted while coasting.  
For information on the BMW Maintenance Sys‐  
tem, refer to page 236.  
Switch off the engine  
during longer stops  
Switching off the engine  
Switch off the engine during longer stops, for in‐  
stance at traffic lights, railroad crossings or in  
traffic congestion.  
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, fuel consumption is also determined  
by other factors, such as driving style, road con‐  
ditions, maintenance or environmental factors.  
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