BMW 7 Series (G11/G12) 2015-2022 Owners Manuals: Washing the vehicle

Vehicle features and options

This chapter describes all standard, country-specific and optional features offered with the series.

It also describes features and functions that are not necessarily available in your vehicle, e.g., due to the selected options or country versions. This also applies to safety-related functions and systems.

When using these functions and systems, the applicable laws and regulations must be observed.

Washing the vehicle

General information

Regularly remove foreign objects such as leaves in the area below the windshield when the hood is raised.

Wash your vehicle frequently, particularly in winter.

Intense soiling and road salt can damage the vehicle.

Steam blaster and high-pressure washer

Safety information

NOTICE

When cleaning with high-pressure washers, components can be damaged due to the pressure or temperatures being too high. There is a risk of damage to property. Maintain sufficient distance and do not spray too long continuously.

Follow the operating instructions for the high-pressure washer.

Distances and temperature

• Maximum temperature: 140 ℉/60 ℃.
• Minimum distance from sensors, cameras, seals: 12 inches/30 cm.
• Minimum distance from glass sunroof: 31.5 in/80 cm.

Automatic vehicle washes

Safety information

NOTICE

Improper use of automatic washing systems or car washes can cause damage to the vehicle.

There is a risk of damage to property. Follow the following instructions:

• Give preference to cloth car washes or those that use soft brushes in order to avoid paint damage.
• Do not drive through a car wash with guide rails higher than 4 in/10 cm to avoid damage to the chassis.
• Observe the tire width of the guide rail to avoid damage to tires and rims.
• Fold in exterior mirrors to avoid damage to the exterior mirrors.
• Deactivate the wiper and, if necessary, rain sensor to avoid damage to the wiper system.

Driving into a car wash with a Steptronic transmission

Safety information

NOTICE

Selector lever position P is automatically engaged when standby state is switched off.

There is a risk of damage to property. Do not switch standby state off in vehicle washes.

General information

In a car wash, the vehicle must be able to roll freely.

Some car washes do not permit persons in the vehicle. The vehicle cannot be locked from the outside when in selector lever position N. A signal sounds when an attempt is made to lock the vehicle.

Additional information: Rolling or pushing the vehicle

Driving out of a car wash

Ensure that the vehicle key is in the car.

Switch on drive-ready state.

Additional information: Drive-ready state

Headlights

Do not rub wet headlights dry and do not use abrasive or acidic cleaning agents.

Soak areas that have been dirtied, for instance from insects, with shampoo and wash off with water.

Thaw ice with de-icing spray; do not use an ice scraper.

After washing the vehicle

After washing the vehicle, apply the brakes briefly to dry them; otherwise, braking action can be reduced. The heat generated during braking dries brake discs and brake pads and protects them against corrosion.

Completely remove all residues on the windows, to minimize loss of visibility due to smearing and to reduce wiper noises and wiper blade wear.