Handbrake, Manual transmission – BMW M5 Sedan 2007 User Manual

Page 59

Handbrake

The handbrake is primarily intended to prevent
the vehicle from rolling while parked; it brakes
the rear wheels.

Indicator lamp

The indicator lamp lights up, and a sig-
nal also sounds when starting off. The
handbrake is applied.
Indicator lamp for Canadian models.

Applying

The lever locks in position automatically.

Releasing

Pull slightly upwards, press the button and
lower the lever.

If exceptional circumstances should
make it necessary to apply the handbrake

while the vehicle is in motion, do not pull it too
firmly. In doing so, continuously press the but-
ton of the handbrake lever. Otherwise, too firm
an application of the handbrake can lock up the
rear wheels and cause the rear of the car to
swerve.

To prevent corrosion and one-sided brak-
ing action, occasionally apply the hand-

brake lightly when the vehicle is slowly coming
to a stop if the traffic conditions are suitable.
The brake lamps do not light up when the hand-
brake is applied.

Manual transmission*

While shifting in the 5th/6th gear lane,
press the gearshift lever toward the right,

otherwise accidental shifting into the 3rd or 4th
gear could result in engine damage.

When engaging the 1st gear, a slight jolt may
occur. This is operation-related and no reason
for concern.

Reverse gear

Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
When pressing the gearshift lever to the left,
overcome some resistance.

Shift lights

To achieve the best vehicle acceleration with a
sporty driving style, shift lights in the Head-Up
Display

indicate the optimum shifting point

briefly before reaching the maximum rpm. Refer
to Shift lights, page

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