Owner's Manual for the vehicle. With a quick reference ... - E38.org

Disc brakes
127n
Driving notes
While driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is a good idea to apply
light pressure to the brake pedal every
few miles. Watch traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat generated
in this braking process helps dry
the brake pads and rotors.
Maximum braking force is obtained
while the wheels continue to rotate,
peaking when the wheels remain on the
verge of locking without actually doing
so. ABS maintains this state automatically.
If the ABS fails, you should revert
to the staggered braking technique described
below (refer to page 129).
Extended or steep mountain descents
do not necessarily have to lead to reduced
braking efficiency; downshift to a
gear in which only minimal periodic
brake applications are required - move
the selector lever to the appropriate
lower range.
You can continue to increase the braking
effect of the engine by selecting a
lower gear - you can select transmission
ranges as low as position 2 for extreme
conditions.
Should engine braking prove inadequate,
you should still avoid extended,
continuous braking. Instead of maintaining
low to moderate pressure over
an extended period of time, you should
decelerate the vehicle by applying more
substantial force on the pedal (watch
for following traffic!) and then pausing
before repeating the application. This
staggered braking technique allows the
brakes to cool in the intervals between
active braking phases, preventing overheating
and ensuring that full braking
capacity remains available at all times.
Do not coast with the transmission
selector lever in neutral. Do not
drive with the engine shut off. The engine
provides no braking effect when
the transmission is in neutral, and there
is no power-assist for braking or steering
when the engine is shut off.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any
other objects to protrude into the area
around the accelerator and brake pedals
and obstruct their movement.<
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)*
If you apply the brakes rapidly, this system
automatically produces the maximum
braking force boost and thus
helps to achieve the shortest possible
braking distance during "panic stops."
All of the benefits of the ABS system
are exploited under these circumstances.
Do not reduce the pressure on the
brake pedal for the duration of the
brake application. When the brake
pedal is released, the DBC is deactivated.
In the event of a malfunction, the
warning lamp comes on with a
yellow light. Conventional braking
efficiency is available without
limitations.
Have the system checked and
repaired at your BMW center as soon
as possible.
For "Information for your safety"
covering the ABS system, refer to
page 125. This information also generally
applies for DBC.<
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