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EnglishCONTROLS -> Driving for your BMW 1 Series 2019-2024
Driving
CONTROLS
Driving
Vehicle equipment
Drive-ready state
Safety notes
DANGER
This chapter describes all standard, country-spe‐
cific and optional equipment available for the
model series. It may therefore describe equip‐
ment and functions which are not installed in
your vehicle, for example on account of the spe‐
cial equipment selected or the country specifica‐
tion. This also applies to safety-relevant func‐
tions and systems. Please comply with the
relevant laws and regulations when using the
corresponding functions and systems.
A blocked exhaust pipe or inadequate ventila‐
tion can allow harmful exhaust fumes to enter
the vehicle. The exhaust fumes contain pollu‐
tants which are colourless and odourless. In en‐
closed spaces, exhaust fumes can also build up
outside the vehicle. There is a risk of death.
Keep the exhaust pipe clear and ensure suffi‐
cient ventilation.
Start/Stop button
Principle
WARNING
An unsecured vehicle can start moving and roll‐
ing away. There is a risk of accident. Before
leaving the vehicle, secure it to prevent it from
rolling away.
Drive-ready state, see page 41, is
switched on and off by pressing
the Start/Stop button.
Steptronic transmission: drive-
ready state is switched on by
pressing the Start/Stop button while the brake
pedal is depressed.
Observe the following to ensure that the vehi‐
cle is secured against rolling away:
▷ Apply the parking brake.
Manual transmission: the drive-ready state is
switched on if the brake pedal is depressed
when the Start/Stop button is pressed.
▷ Turn the front wheels towards the kerb on
upward or downward gradients.
▷ Additionally secure the vehicle on upward
or downward gradients, for example with a
chock.
Pressing the Start/Stop button again switches
drive-ready state off again and standby state, see
page 41, is switched on.
NOTE
Driving off
Repeated attempts to start the engine or start‐
ing it several times in quick succession can
cause the starter to overheat. Fuel will also be
unburned or insufficiently burned, which could
cause the catalytic converter to overheat.
There is a risk of material damage. Avoid re‐
peatedly starting in quick succession.
1. Switch on drive-ready state.
2. Apply the drive position.
3. Releasing the parking brake.
4. Drive off.
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Switching on drive-ready state
Switching off drive-ready state
Steptronic transmission
1. With the vehicle at a standstill, engage selec‐
tor lever position P.
Steptronic transmission
1. Depress the brake pedal.
2. Press the start/stop button.
2. Press the start/stop button.
The engine is switched off.
3. Apply the parking brake.
The starting process is activated automatically
for a short time and stops as soon as the engine
starts.
Most of the indicator and warning lamps in the
instrument cluster are illuminated for different
lengths of time.
Manual transmission
1. Press the Start/Stop button when the vehicle
is at standstill.
Manual transmission
1. Depress the brake pedal.
The engine is switched off.
2. Engage first gear or reverse.
3. Apply the parking brake.
2. Press the clutch and engage idle position.
3. Press the start/stop button.
The starting process is activated automatically
for a short time and stops as soon as the engine
starts.
Automatic Start/Stop
function
Most of the indicator and warning lamps in the
instrument cluster are illuminated for different
lengths of time.
Principle
The Auto Start Stop function helps you to save
fuel. The system stops the engine when station‐
ary, for example in a traffic jam or at traffic lights.
The drive-ready state remains switched on. For
driving off, the engine starts automatically.
Diesel engine
With the engine cold and at temperatures below
0 ℃, 32 ℉ the starting operation can be delayed
slightly due to automatic preheating.
A Check Control message is shown.
General
Full drive power may not be available until the
engine is at operating temperature. Observe the
engine temperature display for this. In this case,
the vehicle will not accelerate in the usual way.
Each time the engine is started via the Start/Stop
button, the Automatic Start/Stop function is
switched to standby. The function is activated
from a speed of around 5 km/h, 3 mph.
Depending on selected drive mode, see
page 141, the system is activated or deactivated
automatically.
Petrol engine
Depending on the engine version, full drive
power may only be available approx. 30 seconds
after starting the engine. In this case, the vehicle
will not accelerate in the usual way.
Display in the instrument cluster
When drive-ready state is switched on, the revo‐
lution counter shows the current engine speed.
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CONTROLS
Displays in the instrument cluster
Stopping the engine
Operating requirements
Steptronic transmission
General
The READY display in the revolu‐
tion counter indicates that the Au‐
tomatic Start/Stop function is
ready for automatic engine start‐
ing.
The engine is automatically shut down when sta‐
tionary under the following conditions:
▷ Selector lever in selector lever position D.
▷ Brake pedal remains pressed while the vehi‐
cle is at a standstill or vehicle is kept station‐
ary by Automatic Hold.
The display indicates that the pre‐
conditions for an automatic en‐
gine stop are not met.
▷ Driver's seat belt buckled or driver's door
closed.
Manual transmission
Total time for switched-off engine
The engine is automatically shut down when sta‐
tionary under the following conditions:
ECO PRO, see page 268, drive
mode: depending on the equip‐
ment, the total time during which
the engine is shut down by the
▷ Gearbox in neutral and clutch pedal not
pressed.
Auto Start Stop function is dis‐
played during an automatic engine stop.
▷ Driver's seat belt buckled or driver's door
closed.
After refuelling, the total time is automatically re‐
set.
Steptronic transmission: manual
engine stop
If the engine was not switched off automatically
when the vehicle came to a stop, it can be
switched off manually:
Functional limitations
The engine is not shut down automatically in the
following situations:
▷ Rapidly press the brake pedal from the cur‐
rent position.
▷ On steep downward gradients.
▷ Brake not pressed strongly enough.
▷ Engage selector lever position P.
▷ High outside temperature and operation of
the automatic air conditioning.
If all the operating requirements have been met,
the engine is stopped.
▷ Interior not heated or cooled to the desired
temperature.
Air conditioning system when the
vehicle is parked
The air flow rate of the air conditioning system is
reduced when the engine is not running.
▷ Where there is a risk of condensation when
the automatic air conditioning is switched on.
▷ Engine or other parts not at operating tem‐
perature.
▷ Engine cooling is required.
▷ Sharp steering angle or steering operation.
▷ Vehicle battery is heavily discharged.
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▷ At high altitudes.
System limits
▷ Bonnet is unlocked.
▷ Park Assistant is activated.
▷ Stop-and-go traffic.
Even if you do not want to drive off, the engine
restarts automatically in the following situations:
▷ Very high temperature in the interior when
the cooling function is switched on.
▷ Steptronic transmission: selector lever posi‐
tion in N or R.
▷ Very low temperature in the interior when the
heating is switched on.
▷ After reversing.
▷ Where there is a risk of condensation when
the automatic air conditioning is switched on.
▷ Use of fuel with high ethanol content.
▷ When the steering wheel is turned.
▷ Steptronic transmission:
Engine start
Operating requirements
Shift from selector lever position D to N or R.
▷ Steptronic transmission:
Steptronic transmission
Shift from selector lever position P to N, D or
R.
For driving off, the engine automatically starts
under the following conditions:
▷ Vehicle battery is heavily discharged.
▷ Start of an oil level measurement.
▷ By releasing the brake pedal.
▷ With Automatic Hold activated: press the ac‐
celerator pedal.
Auto Start/Stop additional
function
Manual transmission
Depending on the equipment version and na‐
tional-market version, the vehicle has various
sensors to record the traffic situation. This ena‐
bles the Automatic Start/Stop function to adapt
to various traffic situations and, where necessary,
behave in an anticipatory manner.
For driving off, the engine automatically starts
under the following conditions:
▷ By pressing the clutch pedal.
Driving off
After starting the engine, accelerate as normal.
For example, in the following situations:
▷ If a situation is detected in which the duration
of the stop is likely to be very short, the en‐
gine is not stopped automatically. Depending
on the situation, a message is shown on the
Control Display.
Safety function
After an automatic shut down, the engine will not
restart automatically, if one of the following con‐
ditions is met:
▷ Driver's seat belt unbuckled and driver's door
open.
▷ If a situation is detected in which the vehicle
should drive off immediately, the stopped en‐
gine is started automatically.
▷ Bonnet has been unlocked.
Several indicator lamps illuminate for various
lengths of time.
The function may be limited if the navigation data
is invalid, outdated or not available, for example.
The engine can only be started using the start/
stop button.
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Deactivating/activating the
system manually
Parking the vehicle during
automatic engine stop
Principle
General
The engine is not switched off automatically.
With automatic engine stop, the vehicle can be
parked safely, for example in order to leave it.
During an automatic engine stop, the engine is
started.
Steptronic transmission
1. Press the start/stop button.
Using the button
▷ When drive-ready state is switched off.
▷ Standby state is switched on.
▷ Selector lever position P is automatically
engaged.
2. Apply the parking brake.
Manual transmission
1. Press the start/stop button.
▷ When drive-ready state is switched off.
▷ Standby state is switched on.
2. Engage first gear or reverse.
3. Apply the parking brake.
Press the button.
Steptronic transmission: via
selector lever position
The Auto Start Stop function is also deactivated
in selector lever position M/S.
Automatic deactivation
General
In certain situations the Auto Start Stop function
is deactivated automatically for safety reasons,
for example if the absence of the driver is detec‐
ted.
Via the Driving Experience Control
The Auto Start Stop function is also deactivated
in the SPORT drive mode of the Driving Experi‐
ence Control.
Display
Malfunction
▷ LED illuminates: Auto Start Stop function is
deactivated.
The Auto Start Stop function no longer shuts
down the engine automatically. A Check Control
message is shown. It is possible to keep driving.
Have the system checked by a Service Partner
of the manufacturer or another qualified Service
Partner or a specialist workshop.
▷ The LED is extinguished: Auto Start Stop
function is activated.
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CONTROLS
Overview
Parking brake
Principle
The parking brake is used to prevent the vehicle
from rolling when it is parked.
Safety notes
WARNING
An unsecured vehicle can start moving and roll‐
ing away. There is a risk of accident. Before
leaving the vehicle, secure it to prevent it from
rolling away.
Parking brake
Engaging
Observe the following to ensure that the vehi‐
cle is secured against rolling away:
When the vehicle is stationary
▷ Apply the parking brake.
Pull the switch.
▷ Turn the front wheels towards the kerb on
upward or downward gradients.
The LED is illuminated.
The indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster is illuminated red. The parking
brake is engaged.
▷ Additionally secure the vehicle on upward
or downward gradients, for example with a
chock.
The parking brake may be applied automatically
depending on the parking situation.
WARNING
Steptronic transmission: in some parking situa‐
tions, engaging selector lever position P auto‐
matically applies the parking brake. In these ca‐
ses, the parking brake is automatically
disengaged when shifting from selector lever po‐
sition P.
Unsupervised children or pets in the vehicle
can set the vehicle in motion and endanger
themselves or other road users, for example by
the following actions:
▷ Pressing the start/stop button.
▷ Releasing the parking brake.
While the vehicle is in motion
Use during the journey serves as an emergency
brake:
▷ Opening and closing doors or windows.
▷ Engaging selector lever position N.
▷ Operating vehicle equipment.
Pull and hold the switch. Vehicle brakes strongly
for as long as the switch is pulled.
There is a risk of accident or injury. Do not
leave children or pets unsupervised in the vehi‐
cle. When leaving the vehicle, take the vehicle
key with you and lock the vehicle.
The indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster is illuminated red, a signal sounds
and the brake lights illuminate.
A Check Control message is shown.
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If the vehicle is braked to approximately 3 km/h,
2 mph, the parking brake is engaged.
▷ If the vehicle is brought to a standstill with the
parking brake during a journey.
Safety notes
Releasing
Releasing manually
WARNING
1. Switch on drive-ready state.
An unsecured vehicle can start moving and roll‐
ing away. There is a risk of accident. Before
leaving the vehicle, secure it to prevent it from
rolling away.
2.
Steptronic transmission: press the
switch with the brakes applied or selector
lever position P engaged.
Observe the following to ensure that the vehi‐
cle is secured against rolling away:
Manual transmission: press the button
with the brakes applied.
▷ Apply the parking brake.
▷ Turn the front wheels towards the kerb on
upward or downward gradients.
The LED and indicator lamp are illuminated.
The parking brake is released.
▷ Additionally secure the vehicle on upward
or downward gradients, for example with a
chock.
Automatic release
The parking brake is automatically released on
driving off.
LED and indicator lamp turn off.
WARNING
Unsupervised children or pets in the vehicle
can set the vehicle in motion and endanger
themselves or other road users, for example by
the following actions:
Steptronic transmission:
Automatic Hold
Principle
Steptronic transmission:
▷ Pressing the start/stop button.
▷ Releasing the parking brake.
This system provides assistance by automatically
applying and releasing the brake, for example in
stop-and-go traffic.
▷ Opening and closing doors or windows.
▷ Engaging selector lever position N.
▷ Operating vehicle equipment.
The vehicle is held automatically when at a
standstill.
There is a risk of accident or injury. Do not
leave children or pets unsupervised in the vehi‐
cle. When leaving the vehicle, take the vehicle
key with you and lock the vehicle.
On upward gradients, it prevents the vehicle
from rolling back when driving off.
General
The parking brake is automatically applied in the
following conditions:
▷ When drive-ready state is switched off.
▷ When the driver's door is opened with the ve‐
hicle at a standstill.
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Driving off
To drive off, press the accelerator pedal.
NOTE
Automatic Hold applies the parking brake when
the vehicle is stationary and prevents the vehi‐
cle from rolling in car washes. There is a risk of
material damage. Deactivate Automatic Hold
before driving into the car wash.
The brake is released automatically and the indi‐
cator lamp for the parking brake is no longer illu‐
minated.
Automatic activation of the parking
brake
The parking brake is automatically applied when
the vehicle is being held by Automatic Hold and
drive-ready state is switched off or the vehicle is
exited.
Overview
The indicator lamp changes from green
to red.
The parking brake is not applied automatically if
drive-ready state was switched off while the ve‐
hicle was still rolling. Automatic Hold is switched
off in this case.
Automatic Hold
Switching off operational readiness
Press the button.
Activating the Automatic Hold
function
The LED is extinguished.
1. Switch on drive-ready state.
The indicator lamp extinguishes.
2.
Press the button.
Automatic Hold is switched off.
The LED is illuminated.
If the vehicle is being held stationary by Auto‐
matic Hold, also depress the brake pedal when
switching off.
The indicator lamp illuminates green.
Automatic Hold is ready to operate.
When the vehicle is restarted, the last se‐
lected setting is retained.
Malfunction
If the parking brake has failed or malfunctioned,
secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling away
before leaving the vehicle.
Automatic Hold holds the vehicle
Operational readiness is established and the
driver's door is closed.
A Check Control message is shown.
After getting out, secure the vehicle to prevent it
from rolling away, for example with a chock.
Once the brake has been applied, the ve‐
hicle is secured from rolling as soon as
the indicator lamp is illuminated green.
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The duration of the triple turn signal can be set.
Via iDrive:
After a power failure
To restore parking brake functionality after a
power failure:
1. "My Vehicle"
1. Switch on standby state.
2. "Vehicle settings"
3. "Lights"
2.
Pull the switch with the brakes applied
or selector lever position P engaged and then
press it.
4. "Exterior lighting"
5. "One-touch turn signal"
6. Select the desired setting.
The setting is saved for the current driver profile.
The procedure can take a few seconds. Any
sounds that occur are normal.
The indicator lamp no longer illuminates
as soon as the parking brake is once
again operational.
Indicating a turn briefly
Press the lever as far as the resistance point and
hold it there for as long as you wish to indicate a
turn.
Turn indicators, high-beam
headlights, headlight
flasher
High-beam headlights, headlight
flasher
Push the lever forwards or pull it back.
Turn indicator
Turn indicator in exterior mirror
Do not fold in the exterior mirrors while driving or
while operating the turn indicators or hazard
warning lights to ensure that the indicator lamps
in the exterior mirrors are well recognisable.
Indicating
▷ High-beam headlights on, arrow 1.
The high-beam headlights are illuminated
when the low-beam headlights are switched
on.
▷ High-beam headlights off/headlight flasher,
arrow 2.
Press the lever beyond the resistance point.
Triple turn signal
Briefly press the lever up or down.
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When the vehicle is at a standstill, the wipers
switch to intermittent operation.
Wiper system
▷ Fast wiper speed, position 3.
General
When the vehicle is at a standstill, the wipers
switch to normal speed.
Do not use the wipers on a dry windscreen, oth‐
erwise the wiper blades will wear or become
damaged more quickly.
If a journey is interrupted with the wiper system
switched on: when the journey is resumed, the
wipers continue operating at the previously set
level.
Safety notes
WARNING
Switching off and flick-wiping
If the wipers start moving when they are folded
away from the windscreen, parts of the body
may become trapped or the vehicle may be
damaged. There is a risk of injury or material
damage. Make sure that the vehicle is switched
off when the wipers are folded away from the
windscreen, and that the wipers are in contact
with the windscreen when switching on.
Press the lever down.
NOTE
▷ To switch off: press the lever downwards to
the home position.
If the wipers are frozen to the windscreen,
switching them on may cause the wiper blades
to tear off and the wiper motor to overheat.
There is a risk of material damage. Defrost the
windscreen before switching on the wipers.
▷ To flick-wipe: press the lever downwards
from the home position.
The lever returns to the home position when
released.
Switching on
Rain sensor
Principle
The rain sensor automatically controls the wiper
operation depending on the level of rainfall.
General
The sensor is mounted on the windscreen, di‐
rectly in front of the rear-view mirror.
Press the lever upwards to the desired position.
▷ Rest position of the wipers, position 0.
▷ Rain sensor, position 1.
▷ Normal wiper speed, position 2.
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Downwards: low sensitivity of the rain sensor.
Safety note
NOTE
Windscreen washer
Safety notes
In car washes, the wipers may inadvertently
start moving if the rain sensor is activated.
There is a risk of material damage. Deactivate
the rain sensor in car washes.
WARNING
At low temperatures, the washer fluid can
freeze onto the windscreen and restrict visibil‐
ity. There is a risk of accident. Only use the
washer systems if there is no possibility of the
washer fluid freezing. Use antifreeze if required.
Activating
NOTE
If the washer fluid reservoir is empty, the
washer pump cannot operate as intended.
There is a risk of material damage. Do not use
the washer system with the washer fluid reser‐
voir empty.
Press the lever upwards once from the home po‐
sition, arrow 1.
Wiping is started.
Cleaning the windscreen
The LED in the wiper lever is illuminated.
If there is frost, wiping may not start.
Deactivating
Press the lever back to the home position.
Setting the sensitivity of the rain
sensor
Pull the lever.
Fluid from the washer fluid reservoir is sprayed
onto the windscreen and the wipers are operated
briefly.
Windscreen washer jets
The windscreen washer jets are automatically
heated when standby state is switched on.
Turn the knurled wheel to set the sensitivity of
the rain sensor.
Upwards: high sensitivity of the rain sensor.
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Safety notes
Rear wiper
Overview
WARNING
If the wipers start moving when they are folded
away from the windscreen, parts of the body
may become trapped or the vehicle may be
damaged. There is a risk of injury or material
damage. Make sure that the vehicle is switched
off when the wipers are folded away from the
windscreen, and that the wipers are in contact
with the windscreen when switching on.
Switching on
NOTE
Turn the outer switch upwards.
If the wipers are frozen to the windscreen,
switching them on may cause the wiper blades
to tear off and the wiper motor to overheat.
There is a risk of material damage. Defrost the
windscreen before switching on the wipers.
▷ Rest position of the wiper, position 0.
▷ Intermittent mode, arrow 1. Engaging reverse
gear activates continuous operation.
To clean the rear window
Turn the outer switch in the desired direction.
Folding out the wipers
▷ In rest position: turn the switch downwards,
arrow 3. The switch returns to the rest posi‐
tion when released.
1. Switch on standby state.
2. Press the wiper lever down and hold until the
wipers stop in an approximately vertical posi‐
tion.
▷ In intermittent operation: turn the switch fur‐
ther, arrow 2. The switch returns to the inter‐
mittent position when released.
The function is deactivated if the washer fluid
level in the reservoir is low.
Fold-out position of the wipers
Principle
In the fold-out position, the wipers can be folded
away from the windscreen.
General
This is necessary for example when replacing the
wiper blades or to keep them away from the
windscreen when there is frost.
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3. Lift the wipers completely away from the
windscreen.
ucts into other bottles. Keep service products
out of the reach of children.
WARNING
Washer fluid can ignite on contact with hot
parts of the engine and catch fire. There is a
risk of injury or material damage. Only top up
washer fluid when the engine has cooled down.
Then fully close the cap of the washer fluid res‐
ervoir.
Folding in the wipers
After folding the wipers in, the wiper system
must be reactivated.
NOTE
Silicone additives mixed with the washer fluid
for their water beading effect on the windows
may damage the washer system. There is a risk
of material damage. Do not add silicone addi‐
tives to the washer fluid.
1. Fold the wipers fully down onto the wind‐
screen.
2. Switch on standby state and press and hold
the wiper lever down again.
3. The wipers move back to the rest position
and are operational once again.
NOTE
Mixing different screenwash concentrates or
antifreezes may damage the washer system.
There is a risk of material damage. Do not mix
different screenwash concentrates or antifree‐
zes. Please comply with the instructions and
mixing ratios stated on the containers.
Washer fluid
General
All washer jets are supplied from one reservoir.
Use a mixture of tap water and screenwash con‐
centrate for the windscreen washer system, if
necessary with the addition of antifreeze.
Overview
Recommended minimum fill level: 1 litre,
1.7 Imp. pints.
Safety notes
WARNING
Some antifreezes can contain toxic substances,
and are flammable. There is a risk of fire and in‐
jury. Please comply with the instructions on the
containers. Keep antifreezes away from sour‐
ces of combustion. Do not pour service prod‐
The reservoir for the washer fluid is located in
the engine compartment.
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Malfunction
Schematic diagram
Using undiluted screenwash concentrate or anti‐
freeze based on alcohol may result in false read‐
ings at low temperatures below -15 ℃/+5 ℉.
Manual transmission
Safety notes
▷ 1 – 6: forward gears.
▷ R: reverse.
WARNING
An unsecured vehicle can start moving and roll‐
ing away. There is a risk of accident. Before
leaving the vehicle, secure it to prevent it from
rolling away.
Shifting gears
General
Depending on the motorisation, the rotational
speed is automatically adjusted as required dur‐
ing a gear shift for a harmonious gear change.
Observe the following to ensure that the vehi‐
cle is secured against rolling away:
▷ Apply the parking brake.
▷ Turn the front wheels towards the kerb on
upward or downward gradients.
Reverse gear
Engage this position only when the vehicle is sta‐
tionary.
▷ Additionally secure the vehicle on upward
or downward gradients, for example with a
chock.
To overcome the resistance, move the shift lever
firmly to the left towards the left and engage the
reverse gear with a gear shift movement for‐
wards.
NOTE
When shifting into a lower gear, high engine
speeds can damage the engine. There is a risk
of material damage. Push the shift lever to the
right while shifting into the 5th or 6th gear.
Rolling or pushing the vehicle
In some situations, the vehicle is to roll without
its own power, for example in a car wash, or be
pushed.
1. Switch on standby state.
2. Press the clutch and change out of a forward
gear or reverse.
3. Releasing the parking brake.
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P Park
Steptronic transmission
Selector lever position for parking the vehicle, for
example. In selector lever position P, the trans‐
mission blocks the individual wheels.
Principle
The Steptronic transmission combines the func‐
tions of an automatic transmission with the
option to change gear manually if required.
Only engage selector lever position P when the
vehicle is stationary.
Selector lever position P is automatically en‐
gaged in the following situations, for example:
Safety note
▷ After switching off drive-ready state if selec‐
tor lever position R, D or M/S is engaged.
WARNING
▷ If, while the vehicle is at a standstill and selec‐
tor lever position D, M/S or R is engaged, the
driver's seat belt is unfastened, the driver's
door is opened and the brake pedal is not de‐
pressed.
An unsecured vehicle can start moving and roll‐
ing away. There is a risk of accident. Before
leaving the vehicle, secure it to prevent it from
rolling away.
Observe the following to ensure that the vehi‐
cle is secured against rolling away:
▷ After switching off standby state if selector
lever position N is engaged.
▷ Apply the parking brake.
Engaging selector lever
positions
▷ Turn the front wheels towards the kerb on
upward or downward gradients.
▷ Additionally secure the vehicle on upward
or downward gradients, for example with a
chock.
General
Apply the brakes until you are ready to drive off,
otherwise the vehicle will move when a drive po‐
sition is selected.
Selector lever positions
D drive position
Selector lever position for all normal driving. All
gears for forward driving are selected automati‐
cally.
Operating requirements
The selector lever will only move from position P
to another selector lever position if drive-ready
state is switched on and the brake pedal is de‐
pressed.
It may not be possible to move out of selector
lever position P until all technical requirements
are fulfilled.
R Reverse
Only engage selector lever position R when the
vehicle is stationary.
Engaging selector lever positions D,
N, R
A selector lever lock prevents the following incor‐
rect operation:
N neutral
In selector lever position N, the vehicle can be
pushed or can roll without power form the en‐
gine, for example in car washes, see page 137.
▷ Inadvertent shifting to selector lever posi‐
tion R.
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CONTROLS
▷ Inadvertent change from selector lever posi‐
tion P to another selector lever position.
Rolling or pushing the vehicle
General
1. Fasten the driver's seat belt.
2. Press and hold the button to cancel the se‐
lector lever lock.
In some situations, the vehicle may need to be
rolled a short distance without power, for exam‐
ple in a car wash, or may need to be pushed.
Engaging selector lever position N
1. Switch on drive-ready state while pressing
the brake.
2. If necessary, release the parking brake.
3. If necessary, switch off Automatic Hold, see
page 128.
4. Press the brake.
3. Briefly press the selector lever in the desired
direction, possibly overcoming a resistance
point. The selector lever returns to the middle
position when released.
5. Touch the selector lever lock and engage se‐
lector lever position N.
6. Switch off drive-ready state.
Standby state then remains switched on and
a Check Control message is shown.
The vehicle can now roll.
NOTE
Selector lever position P is automatically en‐
gaged when standby state is switched off.
There is a risk of material damage. Do not
switch off standby state in car washes.
Engaging selector lever position P
Selector lever position P is automatically en‐
gaged after approximately 35 minutes.
If there is a fault, it may not be possible to
change the selector lever position.
Unlock the transmission lockout electronically if
necessary, see page 140.
Kick-down
Kick-down is used to achieve maximum perform‐
ance.
Press button P.
Press the accelerator pedal down beyond the
regular full-throttle position; some resistance will
be felt.
137
Driving
CONTROLS
Activating manual operation
1. Press the selector lever from selector lever
position D to the left, arrow 1.
Sport programme M/S
Principle
In the sport programme, the gear shift points and
gear shift times are configured for more sporty
driving. For example, the transmission shifts up
later and the gearshift times are shorter.
Activating the sport programme
2. Press the selector lever forwards or pull it
backwards, arrows 2.
Manual operation becomes active and the gear is
shifted.
The gear selected appears on the instrument
cluster, for example M1.
Press the selector lever out of selector lever po‐
sition D to the left.
Shifting gears
▷ To shift down: press the selector lever for‐
wards.
The gear selected appears on the instrument
cluster, for example S1.
The sport programme of the gearbox is activa‐
ted.
▷ To shift up: pull the selector lever backwards.
In certain situations, the transmission continues
to shift automatically, for example when engine
speed limits are reached.
Exiting sport programme
Press the selector lever to the right.
D is shown in the instrument cluster.
If M2 is set manually while the vehicle is station‐
ary, the gearbox will no longer shift back to M1.
This shifting behaviour is retained until you en‐
gage M1 manually or exit M.
Manual operation M/S
Principle
The gears can be changed manually in manual
operation.
Steptronic sport transmission:
preventing automatic upshift in
manual mode M/S
Depending on the motorisation: when SPORT,
see page 142, driving mode is selected, the
Steptronic Sport transmission does not automat‐
ically shift up in M/S manual mode when certain
engine speed limits are reached.
In addition, there is no down shift for kick-down.
138
Driving
CONTROLS
128ti/M135i: if certain engine speed limits are
reached, automatic upshifting does not take
place as needed in manual mode M/S.
Permanent manual mode
In selector lever position S, operating a shift pad‐
dle causes the system to switch permanently to
manual mode.
In the corresponding gearbox version, operating
the kick-down and the left shift paddle at the
same time allows you to change down to the
lowest possible gear. This is not possible in a
brief change from selector lever position D to
manual operation M/S using the shift paddles.
Steptronic sport transmission
In the corresponding gearbox version, operating
the kick-down and the left shift paddle at the
same time allows you to change down to the
lowest possible gear. This is not possible in
short-term manual mode.
Exiting manual operation
Press the selector lever to the right.
D is shown in the instrument cluster.
Shifting gears
Shift paddles
Principle
Shift paddles on steering wheel enable fast gear‐
shifting without taking hands off steering wheel.
General
▷ To change up: pull the right shift paddle.
▷ To change down: pull the left shift paddle.
Gearshift
Gear shifting is only carried out at the appropriate
engine RPM and vehicle speed.
▷ To change down to the lowest possible gear:
pull and hold the left shift paddle.
Short-term manual operation
The gear selected appears briefly on the instru‐
ment cluster, followed by the gear currently in
use.
In selector lever position D, operating a shift pad‐
dle causes the system to switch to manual oper‐
ation temporarily.
The gearbox reverts to automatic operation from
manual operation after a certain period of time of
moderate driving without acceleration or gear
shifts using the shift paddles.
Displays in the instrument
cluster
The selector lever position is dis‐
played, for example P.
It is possible to change to automatic mode:
▷ Pull and hold the right shift paddle until D is
shown in the instrument cluster.
▷ In addition to pulling the right shift paddle,
pull the left shift paddle.
139
Driving
CONTROLS
Unlocking the transmission
lockout electronically
Launch Control
Principle
General
When the ambient conditions are dry, Launch
Control permits optimised acceleration on a road
surface that offers plenty of grip.
Unlock the transmission lockout electronically to
manoeuvre the vehicle out of danger.
Before releasing the transmission lockout, apply
the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from roll‐
ing away.
General
Use of Launch Control causes premature com‐
ponent wear, as the function subjects the vehicle
to very high stresses and loads.
Engaging selector lever position N
Do not use Launch Control when running in, see
page 254.
Unlocking is possible if the starter is able turn the
engine.
When starting with Launch Control, do not turn
the steering wheel.
1. Apply the brakes and keep them applied.
2. Press the start/stop button. The starter must
be heard to start turning. Keep the Start/Stop
button pressed.
Operating requirements
Launch Control is available as soon as the engine
and transmission are at operating temperature.
Depending on the outside temperature and driv‐
ing style, the engine and transmission require an
uninterrupted journey of up to 50 km, 30 miles in
order to reach the operating temperature needed
for Launch Control.
3. With your free hand, press the button on the
selector lever, arrow 1, push the selector
lever to selector lever position N and hold it
there, arrow N, until selector lever position N
is displayed in the instrument cluster.
A Check Control message is shown.
Starting with Launch Control
1. Switch on drive-ready state.
2.
Press the button.
TRACTION is displayed in the instrument
cluster and the DSC OFF indicator lamp is il‐
luminated.
3. Engage selector lever position S.
4. Release the Start/Stop button and selector
lever.
4. Press the brake firmly with the left foot.
5. Press the accelerator pedal down beyond the
resistance at the full-throttle position and
hold, kick-down.
5. Release the brake as soon as the starter
stops.
6. Manoeuvre the vehicle out of danger and
then secure it against rolling away.
A flag symbol is shown in the instrument
cluster.
More information can be found in the Tow-start‐
ing and towing chapter, see page 338.
140
Driving
CONTROLS
6. The starting engine speed is adjusted. Wait
briefly until the engine speed is constant.
Keep the accelerator pedal in this position.
▷ Cruise Control.
Overview
7. Release the brake within 3 seconds of the
flag symbol illuminating.
The vehicle accelerates.
Upshifts are automatic as long as the flag
symbol is displayed and the accelerator pedal
is not released.
Using again during a journey
Once Launch Control has been used, the trans‐
mission requires approximately 5 minutes to cool
down before Launch Control can be used again.
Launch Control adapts to the ambient conditions
when used again.
Displays in the instrument
cluster
The selected drive mode is
shown in the instrument cluster.
After using Launch Control
To assist driving stability, re-activate Dynamic
Stability Control, DSC as soon as possible.
Drive modes
System limits
An experienced driver may be able to achieve
better acceleration values in DSC OFF mode.
Button
Drive mode Configura‐
tion
SPORT
SPORT
INDIVIDUAL
COMFORT
ECO PRO
COMFORT
ECO PRO
Driving Experience Control
INDIVIDUAL
Principle
Drive modes in detail
COMFORT
The Driving Experience Control influences the
driving dynamics characteristics of the vehicle.
The vehicle can be adapted depending on the
situation using various driving modes.
Principle
General
Balanced setting between sporty and efficient
driving.
The following systems are influenced, for exam‐
ple:
Switching on
▷ Engine characteristics.
▷ Steptronic transmission.
▷ Adaptive suspension.
▷ Steering.
Press the button until COMFORT is
displayed in the instrument cluster.
▷ Display in the instrument cluster.
141
Driving
CONTROLS
Switching on
Press the button until ECO PRO is dis‐
played in the instrument cluster.
SPORT
Principle
Dynamic configuration for greater agility with an
optimised suspension.
ECO PRO INDIVIDUAL
Switching on
Principle
Press the button until SPORT is dis‐
played in the instrument cluster.
Individual settings can be made in ECO PRO IN‐
DIVIDUAL drive mode.
Configuring
SPORT INDIVIDUAL
Via iDrive:
Principle
1. "My Vehicle"
Individual settings can be made in SPORT INDI‐
VIDUAL drive mode.
2. "Vehicle settings"
3. If necessary, "Driving Experience Control"
4. "Configure ECO PRO INDIVIDUAL"
5. Select the desired setting.
Configuring
Via iDrive:
1. "My Vehicle"
The setting is saved for the current driver profile.
2. "Vehicle settings"
3. If necessary, "Driving Experience Control"
4. "Configure SPORT INDIVIDUAL"
5. Select the desired setting.
▷ "Damping"
Reset ECO PRO INDIVIDUAL to the default set‐
ting:
"Reset to ECO PRO STANDARD".
INDIVIDUAL configuration
General
▷ "Steering"
▷ "Engine"
The individual configuration of the drive mode is
saved for the current driver profile. The configu‐
ration set last is directly activated when the drive
mode is called up again.
▷ "Transmission"
▷ Manual transmission: "Gear Shift
Assistant"
When changing down, the engine speed
is adapted for the gear change.
Activating the configuration of the
drive mode
Press the button of the desired drive several
times.
The setting is saved for the current driver profile.
Reset SPORT INDIVIDUAL to default setting:
"Reset to SPORT STANDARD".
ECO PRO
Principle
Efficient driving setting.
142
