BMW M5 Owner's Handbook Manual page 292

DRIVING HINTS
Wading
General
Comply with the following when driving through
water:
▷ Only drive through still water.
▷ Only drive through water up to a max. depth
of 25 cm, approximately 9.8 in.
▷ Drive through water at no faster than 5 km/h,
approximately 3 mph.
Safety note
NOTE
Driving through excessively deep water too fast
can result in water entering the engine com‐
partment, electrical system or transmission.
There is a danger of damage to property. When
driving through water, do not exceed the maxi‐
mum specified water depth and maximum ford‐
ing speed.
Safe braking
General
The vehicle is equipped with the Anti-lock Brake
System ABS as standard.
Perform full braking in situations that require it.
The vehicle remains steerable. Any obstacles
can be avoided by performing steering move‐
ments as smoothly as possible.
A pulsing of the brake pedal shows that the Anti-
lock Brake System ABS is regulating.
In certain braking situations, the perforated brake
discs can cause functional noise. However, func‐
tional noises have no effect on the efficiency and
operational safety of the brakes.
292
Driving precautions
Online Edition for Part no. 01402989787 - II/18
Objects in the range of movement of
the pedals
WARNING
Objects in the driver's footwell can restrict the
pedal travel, or block a pedal that has been
pressed. There is a danger of accidents. Stow
items in the vehicle so that they are secure and
cannot get into the driver's footwell. Only use
floor mats that are appropriate for the vehicle
and can be securely fastened to the floor. Do
not use any loose floor mats, and do not place
several floor mats on top of one another. Make
sure that there is sufficient space for the ped‐
als. Ensure that the floor mats are securely re‐
attached after having been removed, for exam‐
ple for cleaning.
Wet roads
In damp weather, if road grit has been spread or
there is heavy rain, apply the brakes lightly every
few kilometres/miles.
In doing so, do not obstruct other road users.
The heat generated by braking dries the brake
discs and brake pads, and protects them against
corrosion.
This way, brake power is available immediately,
whenever it is needed.
Downhill gradients
General
When driving on long or steep downhill
stretches, use the gear in which the least braking
is required. Otherwise the brake system can
overheat and braking effect is reduced.
Engine braking effect can be additionally in‐
creased by manually shifting down, even into first
gear, if applicable.