BMW 320i Owner's Handbook Manual page 89

Downhill gradients
To avoid impairing the efficiency of the
brake system as a result of overheating,
drive down long or steep descents in the gear
that allows you to keep brake applications to a
minimum. Otherwise even slight continuous
pressure on the brake pedal could cause over-
heating, brake pad wear or even brake system
failure.<
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down through the gears all the way to
first gear, if necessary. This avoids overburden-
ing the brakes. Downshifting in manual mode of
the automatic transmission, see page 39.
Never drive with the clutch pedal held
down, with the gearshift lever or selector
lever in neutral or with the engine switched off;
engine braking action will not be present with
the gearbox or transmission in neutral and there
will be no power assistance to the brakes or
steering while the engine is switched off.
Make sure that the full range of travel of the
brake and accelerator pedals is not obstructed
by floor mats, carpets or other
Corrosion of brake discs
If the car is used for short distances only, is
parked for lengthy periods or subjected to only
minor loads, the brake discs will be particularly
susceptible to corrosion and the brake pads will
collect dirt; this is because the brake pressure
necessary for a self-cleaning effect is not gen-
erated.
When the brakes are applied, corroded discs
tend to judder, and even lengthy brake applica-
tions usually fail to eliminate this effect entirely.
Car parked
Moisture condensate forms in the automatic
air-conditioning system and is discharged
underneath the car. Traces of water on the
ground are therefore normal.
Before entering a car wash
General information about care of your BMW is
provided in the booklet Looking after your car.
88
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 159 204 - © 03/05 BMW AG
Vehicles with convenient access and
automatic transmission
Insert the remote control in the ignition lock.
The engine can be switched off with the selec-
tor lever in position N. See also page 22.
Rule of the road
When entering countries where the traffic
drives on the opposite side of the road to the
country in which your car is registered, certain
measures are necessary to avoid dazzling the
drivers of oncoming vehicles.
BMW Service is able to supply masking film.
Note the instructions enclosed with the film
when applying.
Load
exceeded. The tyres could then overheat and
objects.<
sustain internal damage. This could lead to sud-
den pressure
Loading
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Avoid overloading the car, as this could
cause the tyres' carrying capacity to be
loss.<
Position heavy objects as low and as far for-
ward as possible, ideally directly behind the
respective seat backs.
Wrap protective material round sharp cor-
ners and edges.
When carrying very heavy loads with no
passengers on the back seat, insert both
outer seat belts into the respective opposite
buckles.