Get DRIVING TIPS Guide for BMW M4 2 Door Second Generation (2021-2025)

BMW M4 Technology

DRIVING TIPS

BMW M4 Technology

Vehicle features and

options

Compound brake

General information

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.

The high-performance brake system has perfo‐

rated compound brake discs.

Due to the specific layout, temporary functional

noise may occur after an extended minor brake

load.

The functional noises have no effect on the per‐

formance, operational reliability, and durability of

the brake.

Correct braking

High-performance engine

To prevent functional noises, it is expedient to

apply the brakes hard a few times in regular in‐

tervals. Ensure that the traffic situation permits

the brake operations.

General information

With a displacement of 3 liters, the high-perform‐

ance engine generates a maximum power of

473 hp, as Competition model 503 hp, and a

maximum torque of 406 lb ft/550 Nm, as Com‐

petition model 479 lb ft/650 Nm. With its sponta‐

neous response behavior, a speed range of wide

utility results. The maximum RPM is 7,200 rpm

and is electronically controlled. Because of the

high engine dynamics, the maximum RPM with

the vehicle stationary is reduced.

With moisture on the brake discs, the brake sys‐

tem may be operated dry to prevent noise.

M carbon ceramic brake

General information

The high-performance brake system has perfo‐

rated carbon ceramic brake discs.

Due to properties of the materials used, braking

may be associated with louder function noises,

e.g., in the event of an extended minor brake load

or in wet conditions, just before the vehicle

comes to a stop.

Warm-up

During the warm-up phase, the high-perform‐

ance engine has in increased idle speed to bring

the emission control system to operating tem‐

perature.

The functional noises have no effect on the per‐

formance, operational reliability, and durability of

the brake.

Additional information:

Tachometer, refer to page 159.

Engine oil temperature, refer to page 159.

The effects of moisture and road salt from using

a car wash, dew formation overnight, driving in

rain, etc., may render the braking effect compa‐

rable to that of a conventional brake system. If

necessary, this reduced braking effect can be

306

BMW M4 Technology

DRIVING TIPS

compensated for by pressing the brake pedal

harder.

Correct braking and washing

To prevent functional noises, it is expedient to

apply the brakes hard a few times in regular in‐

tervals. Ensure that the traffic situation permits

the brake operations.

With moisture on the brake discs, the brake sys‐

tem may be operated dry to prevent noise.

First clean brake discs and calipers with a steam

cleaner or high pressure cleaner before washing

the vehicle in an automatic car wash. This pre‐

vents salt crystals, for instance, from causing

crusty deposits or buildup to form if the vehicle

then remains stationary for a period of time. The

cleaning effect of automatic washing systems or

car washes is usually not adequate for this in the

area around the wheels.

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.

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.

The M xDrive all-wheel-drive system establishes

variable torque distribution to the front and rear

axles. The combination of M xDrive, active M dif‐

ferential, and an Adaptive M chassis in this vehi‐

cle ensures a high degree of driving dynamics

that is typical of BMW M.

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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 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.

Avoid full throttle or kickdown under all circum‐

stances.

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

The engine and road speed can gradually be in‐

creased to a constant speed of

137 mph/220 km/h.

Break-in

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.

Tires

During break-in, do not use the Launch Control.

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

Drive conservatively for the first

200 miles/300 km.

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.

Brake system

For M compound brake:

Brake discs and brake pads of the M Compound

brake only reach their full effectiveness after ap‐

prox. 300 miles/500 km. Drive moderately during

this break-in period.

For M carbon ceramic brake:

Brake discs and brake pads of the M Carbon Ce‐

ramic brake only reach their full effectiveness af‐

ter approx. 600 miles/1,000 km. Drive moder‐

ately during this break-in period.

308

Things to remember when driving

DRIVING TIPS

door handle, make sure that the window is low‐

ered. If necessary, remove snow and ice from

the window. Do not open the door with force.

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.

Hot exhaust gas system

Following part replacement

Observe the break-in procedures again, if com‐

ponents mentioned above are replaced.

Warning

High temperatures can occur underneath the

body, for instance caused by the exhaust gas

system, while driving. Contact with the exhaust

gas system can cause burns. There is a risk of

injury. Do not touch the hot exhaust gas sys‐

tem, including the exhaust pipe.

General driving notes

Closing the trunk lid

Safety information

Warning

If combustible materials, such as leaves or

grass, come in contact with hot parts of the ex‐

haust gas system, these materials can ignite.

There is a risk of fire and an injury hazard. Do

not remove the heat shields installed and never

apply undercoating to them. Make sure that no

combustible materials can come in contact with

hot vehicle parts while driving, at idle or during

parking.

Warning

An open trunk lid protrudes from the vehicle

and can endanger occupants and other road

users or damage the vehicle in the event of an

accident, braking or evasive maneuvers. In ad‐

dition, exhaust fumes may enter the vehicle in‐

terior. There is a risk of injury or risk of damage

to property. Do not drive with the trunk lid open.

Driving with the trunk lid open

If driving with the tailgate open cannot be

avoided:

Mobile communication devices

in the vehicle

▷ Close all windows and the glass sunroof.

▷ Greatly increase the blower output.

▷ Drive moderately.

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 external antenna in order to exclude mutual

interference and deflect the radiation from the

car's interior.

Ice on window glass

NOTICE

The window will be lowered slightly when pull‐

ing on the door handle. In the event of frost, the

window may freeze up and not be lowered.

There is a risk of damage to property, among

other potential damage. When pulling on the

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Things to remember when driving

DRIVING TIPS

In certain braking situations, the perforated brake

Aquaplaning

On wet or slushy roads, a wedge of water can

form between the tires and road surface.

discs can emit functional noises. However, func‐

tional noises have no effect on the performance

and operational reliability of the brake.

This phenomenon is referred to as aquaplaning.

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.

Objects in the area around the

pedals

Warning

Driving through water

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:

▷ Deactivate Auto Start/Stop function.

▷ 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

Pedal feel when driving off

NOTICE

After turning on the drive-ready state from the

idle state, the pedal may feel unusual, short

pedal distance. After the brake pedal has been

fully released, the pedal will feel as usual again.

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, among

other potential damage. When driving through

water, do not exceed the maximum indicated

water level and the maximum speed for driving

through water.

Driving in wet conditions

In case of wet roads, exposure to road salt, in

heavy rain, gently press the brake pedal every

few kilometers.

Ensure that this action does not endanger other

road users.

Braking safely

The heat generated during braking dries brake

discs and brake pads and protects them against

corrosion.

General information

The vehicle is equipped with an Antilock Braking

System ABS as a standard feature.

In this way braking efficiency will be available

when you need it.

Perform emergency braking in situations that re‐

quire such.

Steering is still responsive. You can still avoid any

obstacles with a minimum of steering effort.

310

Things to remember when driving

DRIVING TIPS

Hills

Condensation water under the

parked vehicle

When using the automatic climate control, con‐

densation water develops and collects under‐

neath the vehicle.

General information

Drive long or steep downhill gradients in the gear

that requires least braking effort. Otherwise, the

brake system may overheat and reduce braking

effect.

Ground clearance

You can increase the engine's braking effect by

shifting down, going all the way to first gear, if

needed.

NOTICE

If the ground clearance is insufficient, e.g.,

curbs or underground garage entrances, con‐

tact with vehicle parts, e.g., spoiler, and the un‐

derbody may occur. There is a risk of damage

to property, among other potential damage. En‐

sure that there is sufficient ground clearance

available.

Safety information

Warning

Light but consistent pressure on the brake

pedal can lead to high temperatures, brakes

wearing out and possibly even brake system

failure. There is a risk of accident. Avoid placing

excessive stress on the brake system.

M Driver's Package: driving in

the higher speed range

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.

Damage to vehicle components can negatively

impact handling at high speeds. This includes,

among other things, tires, undercarriage and

parts for improving aerodynamics. There is a

risk of accident. Have damage corrected by a

dealer’s service center or another 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:

Roof-mounted luggage

rack

▷ Low mileage.

▷ Extended periods when the vehicle is not

used at all.

General information

Roof racks are available as special accessories.

▷ 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.

311

Things to remember when driving

DRIVING TIPS

▷ Do not exceed the approved roof/axle

Safety information

weights and the approved gross vehicle

weight.

Warning

▷ Be sure that adequate clearance is main‐

tained for tilting and opening the glass sun‐

roof.

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 may be a risk of accident or risk of

damage to property. Driving with roof load only

with activated Dynamic Stability Control.

▷ Distribute the roof load uniformly.

▷ The roof load should not extend past the

loading area.

▷ Always place the heaviest pieces on the bot‐

tom.

▷ Secure the roof luggage firmly, for instance

using ratchet straps.

Roof drip rail with flaps

The fixing points are located in the roof drip rail

above the doors.

▷ 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.

Driving on racetracks

Warning

Fold the cover outward.

The vehicle is not designed for use in M Sport

or motor sport type competition. There is a risk

of accident. Do not use the vehicle for M Sport

or motor sport type competitions.

Mounting

Follow the installation instructions of the roof

rack.

Higher mechanical and thermal loads during

racetrack operation lead to increased wear. Use

of the vehicle in M Sport or motor sport type

competition is an improper use of the vehicle and

may affect your warranty coverage. Please con‐

sult the “New Vehicle Limited Warranty” Booklet

for further information on warranty matters.

Be sure that adequate clearance is maintained

for tilting and opening the glass sunroof.

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.

When driving on a racetrack, increase the dura‐

tion of the load slowly.

The standard brake linings and the wear indica‐

tors are not designed for racetrack operation.

Therefore, note the following when loading and

driving:

312

Saving fuel

DRIVING TIPS

Saving fuel

Close the windows and glass

sunroof

Driving with the glass sunroof and windows open

results in increased drag and raises fuel con‐

sumption.

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 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.

Additional information:

The fuel consumption depends on various fac‐

tors, such as driving style, road conditions, main‐

tenance or environmental factors.

Tire pressure specifications, refer to page 318.

Drive away without delay

Do not wait for the engine to warm-up while the

vehicle remains stationary. Start driving right

away, but at moderate RPM.

Carrying out certain measures, such as a moder‐

ate driving style and regular maintenance, can in‐

fluence fuel consumption and the environmental

impact.

This is the fastest way of warming the cold en‐

gine up to operating temperature.

Remove unnecessary cargo

Additional weight increases fuel consumption.

Proactive driving

Driving smoothly and proactively reduces fuel

consumption.

Remove attached parts following

use

Remove roof-mounted which are no longer re‐

quired following use.

Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.

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.

313

Saving fuel

DRIVING TIPS

recommends that maintenance work be per‐

formed by a BMW service center.

Avoid high RPM

Driving at low engine speeds lowers fuel con‐

sumption and reduces wear.

Also refer to BMW Maintenance System.

If necessary, observe the vehicle's gear shift indi‐

cator.

Using coasting overrun mode

When approaching a red light, take your foot off

the accelerator and let the vehicle coast to a halt.

For going downhill take your foot off the acceler‐

ator and let the vehicle roll.

The fuel supply is interrupted in coasting overrun

mode.

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 jam.

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.

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.

Switch off these functions if they are not needed.

Have maintenance carried out

Have the vehicle maintained regularly to achieve

optimal vehicle efficiency and service life. BMW

314

Saving fuel

DRIVING TIPS

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DRIVING TIPS for Your BMW M4 2 Door Second Generation (2021-2025)

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