Care
Car Washes
General Information
Regularly remove foreign objects such as leaves from the area below the windshield when the hood is raised. Wash your vehicle frequently, especially in winter, as intense soiling and road salt can damage the vehicle.
Hints
- Steam jets or high-pressure washers: Maintain sufficient distance and use a maximum temperature of 140 ℉/60 ℃. For vehicles with a glass sunroof, keep at least 31.5 in/80 cm distance. Follow the washer's manual.
- Cleaning sensors/camera lenses: Do not spray sensors and camera lenses for long periods and maintain at least 12 in/30 cm distance.
Automatic Car Washes
- Prefer cloth car washes or those with soft brushes to avoid paint damage.
- Ensure wheels and tires are not damaged by transport mechanisms.
- Fold in exterior mirrors to prevent damage.
- Deactivate the rain sensor to avoid unintentional wiper activation.
- Interior motion sensors may trigger an alarm. Follow instructions to avoid false alarms.
Guide Rails in Car Washes
Avoid car washes with guide rails higher than 4 in/10 cm to prevent vehicle body damage.
Before Driving into a Car Wash
To ensure the vehicle rolls properly in a car wash with Steptronic transmission:
- Drive into the car wash.
- Engage selector lever position N.
- Deactivate Automatic Hold.
- Release the parking brake.
- Switch off the engine (ignition remains on, and a Check-Control message is displayed).
Do Not Turn Off the Ignition in the Car Wash
Turning off the ignition engages selector lever position P and can cause damage. The vehicle cannot be locked from outside in position N. A signal will sound if locking is attempted.
Starting the Engine with Steptronic Transmission
- Depress the brake pedal.
- Press the Start/Stop button. (Pressing without the brake turns the ignition off.)
Selector Lever Position
Position P is engaged automatically when the ignition is switched off or after approximately 15 minutes.
Headlights
- Do not rub dry and avoid abrasive or acidic cleansers.
- Soak dirted areas (e.g., insects) with shampoo and rinse with water.
- Thaw ice with de-icing spray; do not use an ice scraper.
After Washing the Vehicle
- Apply brakes briefly to dry them, preventing reduced braking action and brake disc corrosion.
- Remove all residues from windows to minimize smearing, wiper noise, and wear.
Vehicle Care
Car Care Products
BMW recommends using care and cleaning products from BMW, as they are tested and approved. Follow instructions on the container. Open doors or windows when cleaning the interior. Only use products intended for vehicles. Some cleansers may be harmful to your health.
Vehicle Paint
Regular care preserves driving safety and vehicle value. Environmental factors, like air pollution or natural contaminants (tree resin, pollen), affect paintwork. Aggressive substances (fuel, oil, grease, bird droppings) must be removed immediately to prevent discoloration or damage.
Leather Care
Remove dust from leather frequently using a cloth or vacuum. Dust and grime can chafe in pores and folds, causing wear and premature degradation.
