Get Driving tips Guide for BMW X1 SUV First Generation (2009-2015)

Driving tips

This section provides you with information useful

in dealing with specific driving and operating

conditions.

Driving tips

Things to remember when driving

Drive conservatively for the first

200 miles/300 km.

Vehicle equipment

This chapter describes all series equipment as

well as country-specific and special equipment

offered for this model series.Therefore, it also

Brake system

Brakes require an initial break-in period of ap‐

prox. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized

contact and wear patterns between brake pads

and rotors. Drive cautiously during this break-in

period.

describes equipment that may not be found in

your vehicle, for instance due to the selected

special equipment or the country version. This

also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐

tems.

Following part replacement

The same breaking in procedures should be ob‐

served if any of the components mentioned

above have to be renewed in the course of the

vehicle's operating life.

Breaking-in period

General information

Moving parts need to be broken in to adjust to

each other.

The following instructions will help achieve a

long vehicle life and good economy.

General driving notes

Closing tailgate

Engine and differential

Always obey all official speed limits.

Drive with the tailgate closed

Only drive with the tailgate closed; other‐

wise, passengers and other road users may be

endangered or the vehicle may be damaged if an

accident occurs or during braking or evasive

maneuvers. In addition, exhaust fumes may en‐

ter the passenger compartment.◀

Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km

Do not exceed the maximum engine and road

speeds:

▷

For a gasoline engine, 4,500 rpm and

100 mph/160 km/h.

If, despite this, the vehicle must be driven with

the tailgate open:

Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the

transmission's kickdown mode for the initial

miles.

▷

Drive moderately.

Close all windows and the panoramic glass

sunroof.

From 1,200 miles/2,000 km

▷

Greatly increase the blower speed.

The engine and vehicle speed can gradually be

increased.

Hot exhaust system

Tires

Hot exhaust system

Due to technical factors associated with their

manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac‐

tion potential until after an initial breaking-in pe‐

riod.

High temperatures are generated in the

exhaust system.

126

Things to remember when driving

Driving tips

Do not remove the heat shields installed and

Driving through water

never apply undercoating to them. Make sure

thatflammablematerials, e. g. hay, leaves, grass,

etc. do not come in contact with the hot exhaust

system during driving, while in idle position

mode, or when parked. Such contact could lead

to a fire, and with it the risk of serious personal

injury as well as property damage.

Drive though calm water only if it is not deeper

than 12 inches/30 cm and at this height, no

faster than walking speed, up to 6 mph/10 km/h.

Adhere to water depth and speed limita‐

tions

Do not exceed this water depth and walking

speed; otherwise, the vehicle's engine, the elec‐

trical systems and the transmission may be

damaged.◀

Donot touchhot exhaust pipes; otherwise, there

is the danger of getting burned.◀

Mobile communication devices in the

vehicle

Braking safely

Your vehicle is equipped with ABS as a standard

feature.

Mobile communication devices in the ve‐

hicle

Applying the brakes fully is the most effective

way of braking in situations when this is neces‐

sary.

It is not recommended to use mobile phones,

such as mobile phones without a direct connec‐

tion to an external aerial in the vehicle's passen‐

ger compartment. Otherwise, the vehicle elec‐

tronics and mobile communication devices can

interfere with each other. In addition, there is no

assurance that the radiation generated during

transmission will be discharged from the vehicle

interior.◀

The vehicle maintains steering responsiveness.

You can still avoid any obstacles with a minimum

of steering effort.

Pulsation of the brake pedal and sounds from

the hydraulic circuits indicate that ABS is in its

active mode.

Do not let your foot rest on the brake pedal

Hydroplaning

On wet or slushy roads, a wedge of water can

form between the tires and road surface.

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.◀

This phenomenon is referred to as hydroplan‐

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.

Objects in the area around the pedals

No objects in the area around the pedals

Keep floor mats, carpets, and any other

objects out of the area of motion of the pedals;

otherwise, the function of the pedals could be

impeded while driving

Hydroplaning

When driving on wet or slushy roads, re‐

duce your speed to prevent hydroplaning.◀

The risk of hydroplaning increases as the tire

tread depth decreases. Minimum tread depth,

refer to page 234.

Do not place additional floor mats over existing

mats or other objects.

Only use floor mats that have been approved for

the vehicle and can be properly fixed in place.

127

Driving tips

Things to remember when driving

Ensure that the floor mats are securely fastened

again when they are returned after being re‐

moved, such as for cleaning.◀

▷

Extended periods when the vehicle is not

used at all.

Infrequent use of the brakes.

Corrosion occurs when the minimum pressure

that must be exerted by the pads during brake

applications to clean the discs is not reached.

Driving in wet conditions

When roads are wet or there is heavy rain, briefly

exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal every

few miles.

Should corrosion form on the brake discs, the

brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating ef‐

fect that generally cannot be corrected.

Ensure that this action does not endanger other

road users.

Condensation under the parked vehicle

The heat generated in this process helps dry the

brake discs and pads.

When using the automatic climate control, con‐

densation water develops that exits underneath

the vehicle.

In this way braking efficiency will be available

when you need it.

Therefore, traces of condensed water under the

vehicle are normal.

Hills

Drivelongorsteepdownhillgradientsinthegear

in which the least braking is required. Otherwise,

the brake system may overheat, resulting in a

reduction in the brake system efficiency.

Driving on poor roads

BMW X1 combines an all-wheel drive system

with the advantages of a normal passenger car.

You can increase the engine's braking effect by

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

necessary.

Do not drive on unpaved terrain

Do not drive on unpaved terrain, as other‐

wise the vehicle may be damaged.◀

Downshifting in manual mode of the automatic

transmission, refer to page 63.

For your own safety and the safety of passen‐

gers and the vehicle, adhere to the following

points:

Avoid load on the brakes

Avoid placing excessive load on the brake

system. Light but consistent brake pressure can

lead to high temperatures, brake wear and pos‐

sibly even brake failure.◀

▷

Familiarize yourself with the vehicle before

driving; never take risks.

▷

Adjust speeds according to road conditions.

The steeper and rougher the road surface is,

the lower the speed should be.

Do not drive in neutral

Do not drive in neutral or with the engine

stopped, as doing so disables engine braking. In

addition, steering and brake assist is unavailable

with the engine stopped.◀

▷

When driving on steep uphill and downhill

grades: the engine oil and coolant should be

filled nearly to the MAX mark.

▷

Use Hill Descent Control HDC, refer to

page 96, on steep downhill grades.

Brake disc corrosion

Corrosion on the brake discs and contamination

on the brake pads are furthered by:

Watch for stones, holes, and other obstacles

and drive around these where possible.

▷

Low mileage.

128

Things to remember when driving

Driving tips

▷

On bumps and rough roads, avoid contact

between the vehicle body and the ground.

The maximum ground clearance is 8 in‐

ches/20 cm and may vary with the loaded

cargo.

▷

When driving through water, do not exceed

the maximum water height of 12 in‐

ches/30 cm and drive at walking speed.

After driving through water, press on the

brake pedal several times at low speeds to

dry the brakes.

Depending on the prevailing terrain, activate

Dynamic Traction Control DTC, refer to

page 95, briefly.

When the wheels spin, accelerate to enable

the driving stability control systems to dis‐

tribute the drive force to the individual

wheels.

After driving on poor roads

Adhere to the following points to ensure vehicle

safety:

▷

Remove excessive accumulations of dirt

and mud from the vehicle body.

▷

Clear mud, snow, ice, etc., from the wheels

and tires and check for damage.

129

Driving tips

Loading

YYY lbs. Otherwise, damage to the ve‐

hicleandunstabledrivingsituationsmay

result.

Vehicle equipment

This chapter describes all series equipment as

well as country-specific and special equipment

offered for this model series.Therefore, it also

describes equipment that may not be found in

your vehicle, for instance due to the selected

special equipment or the country version. This

also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐

tems.

2. Determine the combined weight of the

driver and passengers that will be riding in

your vehicle.

3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver

and passengers from XXX kilograms or YYY

pounds.

4. The resulting figure equals the available

amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.

General information

For example, if the YYY amount equals

1,000 lbs and there will be four 150 lbs pas‐

sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail‐

able cargo and luggage load capacity is

400 lbs: 1,000 lbs minus 600 lbs = 400 lbs.

Overloading the vehicle

To avoid exceeding the approved carrying

capacity of the tires, never overload the vehicle.

Overloading can lead to overheating and in‐

creases the rate at which damage develops in‐

side the tires. This could result in a sudden loss

of tire inflation pressure.◀

5. Determine the combined weight of luggage

and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That

weight may not safely exceed the available

cargo and luggage load capacity calculated

in Step 4.

No fluids in the cargo area

6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load

from your trailer will be transfered to your

vehicle. Consult the manual for transporting

a trailer to determine how this may reduce

the available cargo and luggage load ca‐

pacity of your vehicle.

Make sure that fluids do not leak into the

cargo area; otherwise, the vehicle may be dam‐

aged.◀

Determining the load limit

Load

1. Locate the following statement on your ve‐

hicle’s placard:

▷

The combined weight of occupants and

cargo should never exceed XXX kg or

The maximum load is the sum of the weight of

the occupants and the cargo.

130

Loading

Driving tips

The greater the weight of the occupants, the

less cargo that can be transported.

Securing cargo

Lashing eyes in the cargo area

Stowing cargo

Securing cargo

▷

Smaller and lighter items: secure with re‐

taining straps, a cargo net or draw straps.

▷

Very heavy cargo: when the rear seat is not

occupied, secure each of the outer safety

belts in the opposite buckle.

▷

Larger and heavy objects: secure with cargo

straps.

Heavy cargo: stow as far forward and as low

as possible, ideally directly behind the back‐

rests.

Cargo straps can be attached to two lashing

eyes on the cargo area side panel, arrows 1,

and two lashing eyes on the cargo area rear

panel, arrows 2.

▷

Cover sharp edges and corners.

Do not pile cargo higher than the top edge

of the backrests.

Securing cargo

Stow and secure the cargo as described

▷

If necessary, fold down the rear backrests to

stow cargo.

above; otherwise it may present a danger to the

occupants, for instance during braking and

avoidance maneuvers.

Use the partition net, refer to page 116, to

protect passengers. Make sure that objects

cannot penetrate the partition net.

Do not stow any heavy and hard objects in the

passenger compartment without securing

them; otherwise, they may present a danger to

occupants, for instance during braking and

avoidance maneuvers.

▷

Place protective material around any sharp-

edged or pointed objects that could bump

against the rear window while the vehicle is

in motion.

Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle

weight or either of the approved axle loads, as

excessive loads can pose a safety hazard, and

may also place you in violation of traffic safety

laws.

Use only the lashing eyes pictured to fasten the

heavy-duty cargo straps. Do not secure cargo

using the upper top tether, refer to page 51,

mounting points; otherwise, these may become

damaged.◀

131

Driving tips

Loading

Roof-mounted luggage rack

Rear luggage rack

Notes

A special rack system is available as an optional

accessory.

A special rear rack is available as an optional ac‐

cessory. It does not require a trailer hitch.

Follow the installation instructions for the rear

rack.

Anchorage points

The anchorage points are located on the roof

railing.

Anchorage points

Attachment

Follow the installation instructions for the roof-

mounted luggage rack.

Be sure that adequate clearance is maintained

for tilting and opening the panoramic glass sun‐

roof.

Loading

Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of

gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on

vehicle handling and steering response.

The anchorage points are under the covers in

the bumper. Remove the covers, refer to

page 258.

Therefore, note the following when loading and

driving:

▷

Do not exceed the approved roof/axle loads

and the approved gross vehicle weight.

▷

Distribute the roof load uniformly.

The roof load should not be too large in area.

Always load the heaviest pieces on the bot‐

tom.

▷

Fasten the roof-mounted luggage securely,

for instance using lashing straps.

Do not let objects project into the opening

path of the tailgate.

Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration

and braking maneuvers. Take corners gen‐

tly.

132

Saving fuel

Driving tips

Saving fuel

Vehicle equipment

Closing the windows and

panoramic glass sunroof

Driving with the panoramic glass sunroof and

windowsopenresultsinincreased airresistance

and raises fuel consumption.

This chapter describes all series equipment as

well as country-specific and special equipment

offered for this model series.Therefore, it also

describes equipment that may not be found in

your vehicle, for instance due to the selected

special equipment or the country version. This

also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐

tems.

Check the tire inflation

pressure regularly

Check and, if necessary, correct the tire inflation

pressure, refer to page 228, at least twice a

month and before starting on a long trip.

General information

Your vehicle contains advanced technology for

the reduction of fuel consumption and emis‐

sions.

Low tire inflation pressure increases rolling re‐

sistance and thus raises fuel consumption and

tire wear.

Fuel consumption depends on a number of dif‐

ferent factors.

The implementation of certain measures, driv‐

ing style and regular maintenance, refer to

page 243, can have an influence on fuel con‐

sumption and on the environmental impact.

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 engine speeds.

This is the fastest way for the cold engine to

reach its operating temperature.

Remove unnecessary cargo

Additional weight increases fuel consumption.

Look well ahead when driving

Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.

Remove attached parts

following use

Remove unneeded auxiliary mirrors, roof or rear

luggage racks after use.

By maintaining a suitable distance to the vehicle

driving ahead of you.

Driving smoothly and looking ahead reduces

fuel consumption.

Attached parts on the vehicle impair the aero‐

dynamics and increase the fuel consumption.

Avoid high engine speeds

Driving at a low engine speed reduces fuel con‐

sumption and minimizes wear.

133

Driving tips

Saving fuel

Therefore, switch off these functions if they are

not actually needed.

Use coasting conditions

When approaching a red light, take your foot off

the accelerator and let the vehicle coast to a halt.

On a downhill gradient, take your foot off the ac‐

celerator and let the vehicle roll.

Have maintenance carried out

Have vehicles maintained regularly to achieve

optimal vehicle economy and operating life.

Have the maintenance carried out by your serv‐

ice center.

The flow of fuel is interrupted while coasting.

Switch off the engine during

longer stops

Please also note the BMW Maintenance Sys‐

tem, refer to page 243.

Switch off the engine during longer stops, e.g.,

at traffic lights, railroad crossings or in traffic

congestion.

ECO PRO

Fuel savings are already achieved after the en‐

gine is turned off for as little as 4 seconds.

The concept

ECO PRO supports the driver in achieving high

fuel economy. Engine control and comfort func‐

tions, such as the climate control system, are

adjusted accordingly.

Automatic Engine Start/Stop Function

The Automatic Start/Stop Function of your ve‐

hicle automatically switches off the engine dur‐

ing a stop. Additional information on the Auto‐

matic Engine Start/Stop Function, refer to

page 56.

In addition, situation-related information can be

displayed that helps the driver achieve lower fuel

consumption.

The resulting range extension can be displayed

in the instrument cluster.

If the engine is stopped and then started again,

fuel consumption and emissions drop com‐

pared to an engine that runs permanently. Stop‐

ping the engine even for just a few seconds can

result in savings.

Activating ECO PRO

Press the button; the LED above the

button lights up.

Use of this system can cause premature wear on

certain vehicle components.

ECO PRO appears in the instrument cluster and

DSC is activated if necessary.

In addition, fuel consumption depends on other

factors as well, such as driving style, road con‐

ditions, maintenance, and environmental fac‐

tors.

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 con‐

sume additional fuel, especially in city and stop-

and-go traffic.

134

Saving fuel

Driving tips

Displays in the instrument cluster

ECO PRO tip

Situation-related tips that indicate measures to

achieve optimum fuel economy can be dis‐

played.

A reminder is displayed when the ECO PRO

speed of 80 mph/130 km/h is exceeded.

Displaying the ECO PRO tip

1. "Vehicle Info"

2. "ECO PRO Tips"

After activation, ECO PRO and the bonus range

are displayed in the instrument cluster.

ECO PRO climate control

Climate control is adjusted for optimum fuel

economy.

ECO PRO bonus range

The vehicle's cruising range can be extended by

adjusting your driving style.

To achieve better fuel economy, the actual tem‐

perature may vary slightly from the set temper‐

ature and the passenger compartment may be

heated or cooled more slowly.

This extended range can be displayed as a bo‐

nus range in the instrument cluster.

The bonus range is indicated in the range dis‐

play.

Deactivating ECO PRO

Press the button again.

The bonus range is automatically reset after re‐

fueling.

The LED above the button and the ECO

PRO display in the instrument cluster go out.

Driving style

ECO PRO displays the efficiency of the current

driving style in the instrument cluster.

▷

ECO PRO not highlighted: efficient driving

style.

▷

ECO PRO highlighted: adjust your driving

style, for example by accelerating less

quickly.

To drive efficiently:

▷

Accelerate less quickly.

Brake in advance.

Reduce speed to the ECO PRO speed of

80 mph/130 km/h.

▷

Automatic transmission: shift from S to D, or

avoid shifting manually.

135

Driving tips for Your BMW X1 SUV First Generation (2009-2015)

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