Driving Through Water - BMW SERIE 5 SPORT WAGON 2005 Owner's Manual

Portable phone in the vehicle
BMW discourages the use of mobile
communications devices, e.g. portable
phones, inside the vehicle without a direct con-
nection to an outside antenna. Otherwise, the
vehicle electronics and mobile communication
device can influence one another. In addition,
there is no assurance that the radiation which
results from transmission will be dissipated
from the vehicle interior.<
Interior and exterior mirrors, automatic
dimming feature*
This feature is controlled by two photocells in
the inside rearview mirror. One is integrated into
the glass of the mirror, while the other is located
at an offset position on the rear of the mirror
housing.
For trouble-free operation, keep the photocells
clean and do not cover the area between the
interior rearview mirror and the windshield. Do
not attach stickers of any kind to the windshield
in front of the mirror, either.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This phenomenon is referred to as hydro-
planing, and 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
The risk of hydroplaning increases as the tread
depth of the tires decreases, refer also to Mini-
mum tire tread on page 173.
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG

Driving through water

walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the vehi-
cle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be
Using handbrake on inclines
greater clutch wear will
SMG Sequential manual transmission
erator, but apply the handbrake instead. Other-
wise overheating can occur in the transmission
region.<
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. In situations that require it, it is best to
brake with full force. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that
ABS is in its active mode.
pedal pressure can lead to high temperatures,
brake wear and possibly even brake
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal
every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure
vehicle.<
that full braking efficiency will then be available
when you need it.
Do not drive through water on the road if it
is deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only at
damaged.<
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with
the clutch; use the handbrake. Otherwise
result.<
Start off quickly on slopes. Do not hold
the vehicle on a hill by pressing the accel-
Do not drive with your foot resting on the
brake pedal. Even light but consistent
107
failure.<