Get DRIVING TIPS Guide for BMW M5 4 Door Seventh Generation (2024-2026)

BMW M5 technology

DRIVING TIPS

BMW M5 technology

Warm-up

Vehicle features and options

During the engine warm-up phase, the high-

performance engine has a somewhat rougher

running behavior because of the emission con-

trols.

This chapter describes model-specific equip-

ment, systems, and functions that are currently

available, or may become available in the fu-

ture, even if they are not present in the vehicle.

During the engine warm-up phase, the cold

start occurs at an increased idle speed, which

leads to increased acoustics of the exhaust

system.

Additional information:

Vehicle equipment, refer to page 8.

Additional information:

High-performance drive

system

Tachometer, refer to page 148.

Compound brake

General information

The high-performance engine is comple-

mented by a powerful electric motor. With its

spontaneous response characteristics, a very

wide usable rotational speed range results.

The maximum rotational speed is 7,200 rpm

and is electronically controlled. Because of the

high engine dynamics, the maximum RPM with

the vehicle stationary is reduced.

General information

The high-performance brake system has per-

forated compound brake disks.

Due to the specific design, temporary function-

related noise may occur after an extended mi-

nor load.

The function-related noises have no effect on

the performance, operational reliability, and

durability of the brake.

The power and torque values are as follows:

BMW M5

Power and torque

values

Correct braking

High-performance

577 hp/

To prevent function-related noises, depress

the brakes hard a few times in regular inter-

vals. Ensure that the traffic situation permits

the braking.

engine with 4.4 liter 553 lb ft/750 Nm

displacement

Electric motor up-

194 hp/

stream of transmis- 207 lb ft/280 Nm

sion

With moisture on the brake disks, the brake

system may be operated dry to prevent noise.

Electric motor

downstream of

transmission

/194 hp332 lb-

ft/450 Nm

M carbon ceramic brake

System

717 hp/

738 lb ft/1000 Nm

General information

The high-performance brake system has per-

forated carbon ceramic brake disks.

304

BMW M5 technology

DRIVING TIPS

Due to properties of the materials used, brak-

ing may be associated with louder function-re-

lated noises, e.g., in the event of an extended

minor brake load or in wet conditions, just be-

fore the vehicle comes to a standstill.

impair the operation or the service life of the

components.

The M xDrive all-wheel-drive system estab-

lishes variable torque distribution to the front

and rear axles. The combination of M xDrive,

active M differential, and an Adaptive M chas-

sis in this vehicle ensures a high degree of

driving dynamics that is typical of BMW M.

The function-related noises have no effect on

the performance, operational reliability, and

durability of the brake.

The effects of moisture and road salt from us-

ing a car wash, dew formation overnight, driv-

ing in rain, etc., may render the braking effect

comparable to that of a conventional brake

system. If necessary, this reduced braking ef-

fect can be compensated for by depressing the

brake with greater pedal force.

Correct braking and washing

To prevent function-related noises, depress

the brakes hard a few times in regular inter-

vals. Ensure that the traffic situation permits

the braking.

With moisture on the brake disks, the brake

system may be operated dry to prevent noise.

First clean brake disks and calipers with a

steam cleaner or high pressure cleaner before

washing the vehicle in an automatic car wash.

This prevents 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 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

drivetrain. Due to the torsionally rigid design of

the drivetrain, as is typical in a sports car, 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

305

Things to remember when driving

DRIVING TIPS

Things to remember when driving

Combustion engine, transmission,

and final drive unit

Vehicle features and options

This chapter describes model-specific equip-

ment, systems, and functions that are currently

available, or may become available in the fu-

ture, even if they are not present in the vehicle.

Up to 600 miles/1,000 km

Drive at varying engine and road speeds,

but do not exceed 5000 rpm and

106 mph/170 km/h.

Additional information:

Avoid full throttle or kickdown under all circum-

stances.

Vehicle equipment, refer to page 8.

Break-in procedures

From 600 miles/1,000 km to

1,200 miles/2,000 km

General information

Moving parts need to work together smoothly.

Drive at varying engine and road speeds,

but do not exceed 6000 rpm and

130 mph/210 km/h.

The following instructions will help you to ach-

ieve a long vehicle life and good efficiency.

Avoid full load in gears 1 to 3.

During break-in, do not use the Launch Con-

trol.

At 1,200 miles/2,000 km

Have break-in service maintenance performed.

Use hybrid mode, i.e., drive alternating be-

tween the combustion engine and electric mo-

tor.

Tires

Tire traction is not optimal due to manufactur-

ing circumstances when tires are brand new.

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 delay. There is a risk of accident, injury, and

property damage. After installing new parts

or with a new vehicle, drive conservatively

and intervene early if necessary. Observe the

break-in procedures of the respective parts

and components.

Brake system

Brake disks must be broken in to avoid effects

that cause possible brake noise. Drive cau-

tiously for the first approx. 300 miles/500 km.

For M carbon ceramic brake:

Drive cautiously for the first ap-

prox. 600 miles/1000 km.

Following part replacement

Observe the break-in procedures again if com-

ponents mentioned above are replaced.

306

Things to remember when driving

DRIVING TIPS

Driving at high speeds

General driving notes

Warning

Closing the trunk lid

Damage to vehicle components can nega-

tively impact handling at high speeds. This

includes, among other things, tires, under-

body and parts for improving aerodynamics.

There is a risk of accident, injury, and prop-

erty damage. Have damage corrected by an

authorized service center or another qualified

service center or repair shop. Do not drive at

high speeds until the damage is corrected.

Safety information

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 addition, exhaust gas or water may enter

the vehicle interior. There is a risk of injury

and risk of property damage. Do not drive

with the trunk lid open.

Hot exhaust system

Warning

Driving with the trunk lid open

If the vehicle still needs to be driven with the

trunk lid open:

High temperatures can occur underneath the

body, for instance caused by the exhaust

system, while driving. Contact with the ex-

haust system can cause burns. There is a risk

of injury. Do not touch the exhaust system,

including the exhaust pipe, when hot.

▷

Close all windows.

Greatly increase the blower output.

Drive moderately.

Secure the trunk lid, e.g., with a tensioning

belt.

Warning

If combustible materials such as leaves or

grass come in contact with hot parts of the

exhaust 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, in

Neutral or during parking.

Ground clearance

NOTICE

If the ground clearance is insufficient,

e.g., underground garage entrances, speed

bumps, or curbs, the ground may come

into contact with vehicle parts, e.g., spoiler,

and the underbody. There is a risk of prop-

erty damage. Ensure that there is sufficient

ground clearance available. Adjust your driv-

ing style to the respective conditions.

Exhaust gas particulate filter

Principle

The exhaust gas particulate filter collects soot

particles. The soot particles are burned at high

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Things to remember when driving

DRIVING TIPS

temperatures to clean the exhaust gas particu-

late filter as necessary.

▷

Deactivate the speed control system.

Select drive program SPORT.

If possible, drive at varying speeds.

General information

Additional information:

Depending on vehicle equipment and national-

market version, the vehicle is equipped with

an exhaust particulate filter. For more informa-

tion on the exhaust particulate filter, contact an

authorized service center or another qualified

service center or repair shop.

Drive system, refer to page 134.

Mobile communications in the

vehicle

The following may occur when cleaning for

several minutes:

Warning

Vehicle electronics and mobile communica-

tion devices can influence one another. There

is radiation due to the transmission oper-

ations of mobile communication devices.

There is a risk of injury and risk of property

damage. If possible, only use mobile commu-

nication devices, e.g., mobile phones, when

connected directly to an external antenna or

Personal eSIM in order to prevent mutual in-

terference and to deflect radiation from the

vehicle interior.

▷

The combustion engine may not run as

smoothly for a short time.

A somewhat higher RPM is necessary to

reach usual power development.

Fuel consumption may be higher. The

higher fuel consumption is included as

mean value in the display for the current

consumption.

▷

The exhaust system is emitting a small

amount of smoke, even after the engine is

shut off.

There is audible noise, e.g., radiator fan is

running, even several minutes after the en-

gine is shut off.

Aquaplaning

On wet or slushy roads, a wedge of water can

form between the tires and road surface.

Overrun of the radiator fan for several minutes

is normal even after short trips.

This phenomenon is referred to as aquaplan-

ing. 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.

Condensation in drive system

Various driving profiles ensure that the drive

system functions properly. A driving style with

consistently low loads can negatively affect

overall functionality, e.g., condensation forming

in the drive system. Occasionally running the

engine longer with higher loads can counteract

this.

Driving through water

General information

When driving through water, follow the follow-

ing:

If condensation has formed in the drive sys-

tem, a corresponding Check Control message

appears. In this case, on the next drive outside

of town, proceed as follows for approx. 30 mi-

nutes:

▷

Only drive through when the combustion

engine is running.

▷

To prevent the combustion engine from

shutting off, select eCONTROL mode when

in M Hybrid mode.

308

Things to remember when driving

DRIVING TIPS

▷

Drive through calm water only.

the driver's footwell. Use floor mats that are

suitable for the vehicle and can be safely at-

tached 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 securely fastened again after they were

removed, for instance for cleaning.

Drive through water only up to a maximum

height of 9.8 inches/25 cm.

▷

Drive through water at a maximum of walk-

ing speed, up to 3 mph/5 km/h.

Additional information:

M Hybrid, refer to page 133.

Safety information

Pedal feel when driving off

After turning on drive-ready state from idle

state, the pedal may feel unusual, e.g., the

pedal travel path may feel short or long. After

the brake pedal has been fully released, the

pedal will feel as usual again.

NOTICE

When driving too quickly through deep water,

the water can penetrate the engine compart-

ment, the electrical system, or the transmis-

sion. There is a risk of property 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 or

in heavy rain, gently depress the brake pedal

every few kilometers. Ensure that this action

does not endanger other road users.

Braking safely

The heat generated while braking dries brake

disks and brake pads and protects them

against corrosion.

General information

The vehicle is equipped with an Antilock Brak-

ing System as a standard feature.

In this way the brake power will be available

when you need it.

Perform full braking when appropriate. To ach-

ieve the best possible braking assistance, do

not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal

during full braking. Steering is still responsive.

You can still avoid any obstacles with a mini-

mum of steering movement.

Hills

General information

Drive long or steep downhill gradients in the

gear that requires least braking effort. Other-

wise, the brake system may overheat and re-

duce braking effect.

Sounds from the hydraulic circuits indicate that

the Antilock Braking System is regulating.

You can increase the engine braking effect by

downshifting, going all the way to first gear, if

needed.

Objects in the travel path of the pedals

Warning

Objects in the driver's footwell can limit the

pedal travel or block a depressed pedal.

There is a risk of accident, injury, and prop-

erty damage. Stow objects in the vehicle such

that they are secured and cannot enter into

309

Things to remember when driving

DRIVING TIPS

Safety information

Driving on racetracks

Warning

Light but constant pressure on the brake

pedal can lead to high temperatures, brake

wear, and even failure of the brake system.

There is a risk of accident, injury, and prop-

erty damage. Avoid placing excessive stress

on the brake system.

The vehicle is not designed for use in M Sport

or motorsport-like competition. There is a risk

of accident, injury, and property damage. Do

not use the vehicle for M Sport or motorsport-

like competitions.

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 ve-

hicle and may affect your warranty coverage.

Please consult the New Vehicle Limited War-

ranty Booklet for further information on war-

ranty matters.

Warning

In Neutral or with drive-ready state switched

off, safety functions, for instance engine brak-

ing effect, braking assistance and steering

assistance, may be restricted or not availa-

ble. There is a risk of accident, injury, and

property damage. Do not attempt to drive in

Neutral or with drive-ready state switched off.

The vehicle manufacturer recommends using

special sport tires, e.g., high-performance tires.

Sports tires are matched to the special require-

ments of a sporty driving style. For more infor-

mation on sport tires, contact an authorized

service center or another qualified service cen-

ter or repair shop.

Brake disk corrosion

Corrosion on the brake disks and contamina-

tion on the brake pads are increased by the

following circumstances:

The standard brake pads and the wear indica-

tors are not designed for racetrack operation.

▷

Low mileage.

Extended stationary periods.

Infrequent use of the brakes.

When driving on a racetrack, increase the du-

ration of the load slowly.

Aggressive, acidic, or alkaline cleaning

agents.

For optimal conditioning for racetrack opera-

tion, select the M Hybrid mode ‘eControl’ and

follow the progress on the indicator.

Corrosion buildup on the brake disks will cause

a pulsating effect on the brakes when braking

slowly - generally this cannot be corrected.

Additional information:

M Hybrid, refer to page 133.

Before and after driving on a racetrack, have

the vehicle checked by an authorized service

center or another qualified service center or

repair shop.

Condensation water under the

parked vehicle

When using the automatic climate control, con-

densation water develops and collects under-

neath the vehicle.

310

Things to remember when driving

DRIVING TIPS

When loading and driving, note the following:

Roof bars

▷

Do not exceed the approved roof/axle

weights and the approved gross vehicle

weight.

General information

Roof racks are available as optional accesso-

ries.

▷

Distribute the roof load uniformly.

The roof load should not extend past the

loading area.

Safety information

▷

Always place the heaviest pieces on the

bottom.

Warning

Secure the roof luggage firmly, for instance

using luggage straps.

When driving with a roof load, e.g., roof bars,

the vehicle's center of gravity is higher. This

increases the risk of the vehicle tipping in

critical driving situations. There is a risk of

accident, injury, and property damage. Drive

with roof load only with activated Dynamic

Stability Control.

Do not let objects project into the swiveling

range of the trunk lid.

Drive carefully. Do not drive off or brake

suddenly or take corners at speed.

Roof strip with flaps

The mounting points are located in the roof

strip above the doors.

Fold the cover outward.

Installation

Follow the assembly instructions for the roof

bars.

Loading

Because luggage racks raise the vehicle's cen-

ter of gravity when loaded, they have a ma-

jor effect on vehicle handling and steering re-

sponse.

311

Saving fuel

DRIVING TIPS

Saving fuel

Vehicle features and options Using the hybrid system

efficiently

This chapter describes model-specific equip-

ment, systems, and functions that are currently

available, or may become available in the fu-

ture, even if they are not present in the vehicle.

Principle

The vehicle's hybrid system runs automati-

cally. Through anticipatory driving, the hybrid

properties are efficiently used, i.e., fuel con-

sumption and energy recovery are optimized.

Additional information:

Vehicle equipment, refer to page 8.

Optimizing energy recovery

Reducing fuel consumption

Types of energy recovery

Principle

Energy recovery is used to charge the high-

voltage battery. Energy recovery is important

for the supply of electrical components and

thus a prerequisite for fuel economy.

The vehicle contains advanced technologies

for the reduction of consumption and emission

values.

There are some actions you can take to

change your fuel consumption and environ-

mental impact:

Energy recovery is done in three stages when

coasting and braking:

▷

Low energy recovery: while coasting to a

halt without stepping on the brake.

▷

Select drive program "COMFORT".

Drive system, refer to page 134.

Select Drivelogic program D1.

▷

Maximum energy recovery: When pressing

the brake pedal with somewhat more force.

▷

Remove unnecessary cargo from the vehi-

cle.

Optimum energy recovery

Anticipatory driving and decelerating helps

with optimizing energy recovery.

▷

Remove add-on parts, e.g., a rear carrier,

after use.

As soon as the display shows the maximum

energy recovery, only depress the brake pedal

harder if required by the situation.

▷

Close the windows while driving.

Check the tire pressure regularly and in-

crease it as necessary.

▷

Shut off the engine if the vehicle is to re-

main stationary for a longer period.

Exemplary driving situations for fuel

economy

In many driving situations, the hybrid system

allows for a particularly efficient energy man-

agement.

Practice anticipatory driving and let the ve-

hicle coast more often.

Deactivate functions that are not required,

e.g., rear window heating.

▷

Stop-and-go traffic:

Have the vehicle serviced regularly.

312

Saving fuel

DRIVING TIPS

The combustion engine is switched on or

over automatically by the hybrid system.

▷

Driving with constant speed:

The electric motor relieves the combustion

engine periodically by also being switched

on.

Optimizing fuel consumption

Charging the vehicle regularly

Charge the vehicle regularly and completely

using a suitable charging device. This will re-

duce fuel consumption due to the use of elec-

trical energy.

Longer idle periods can reduce the charge

state of the high-voltage battery.

Using the pre-conditioning regularly

Run advance climate control in the vehicle dur-

ing charging before driving off. This optimizes

the range.

Additional information:

Pre-conditioning, refer to page 286.

Avoiding the use of the combustion

engine

Follow the following information to avoid using

the combustion engine:

▷

The hybrid system is set to ELECTRIC us-

ing the M HYBRID button.

Additional information:

M HYBRID, refer to page 133.

▷

Follow the indicators for electric driving in

the instrument cluster.

Additional information:

Power gauge, refer to page 148.

313

DRIVING TIPS for Your BMW M5 4 Door Seventh Generation (2024-2026)

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