BMW 520D BROCHURE 2009, Owner'S Handbook Manual

Page: 144 / 203

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Braking system
Brake fluid level
If the brake fluid level is too low and if
brake pedal travel is much greater than
usual, one of the two hydraulic brake
circuits may have failed.
Visit your nearest BMW Service.
Increased brake pedal pressure
may be necessary, the car may "pull" to
one side and longer braking distances
may be required. Modify your driving
style accordingly.
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Disc brakes
If the car covers only short distances,
stands out of use for lengthy periods
and is only used infrequently or gently,
corrosion and dirt will affect the brake
discs and pads more severely, because
the minimum loads needed to achieve
the desired self-cleaning effect of the
disc brakes have not been reached.
When the brakes are applied, corroded
discs tend to judder, and even lengthy
brake applications usually fail to elimi-
nate this effect entirely.
In wet conditions or heavy rain, it is a
good idea to apply the brakes lightly
from time to time. When doing so, make
sure that no other road-user is endan-
gered. The resulting heat dries the
brake discs and pads. The full braking
effect will then be immediately available
if required.
You should select the gear which calls
for the least use of the brakes when
descending long or steep hills. This
avoids overburdening the brakes and
therefore the risk of brake fade.
Never drive with the clutch pedal
held down, with the gear 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 travel of the
brake, clutch and accelerator pedals is
not obstructed by floor mats, carpets or
other objects.
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Brake pads
In the interests of your own safety,
use only brake pads approved by
BMW for use on a specified type of
vehicle. If BMW has not approved the
brake pads it cannot assess their suita-
bility or provide any guarantee of road
safety.
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ba.book Page 144 Tuesday, December 17, 2002 4:26 PM