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EnglishControls -> Driving for your BMW 3 Series 2018-2025
Driving
Controls
Driving
▷
Shortly before the battery is discharged
completely, so that the engine can still be
started.
Vehicle equipment
All standard, country-specific and optional
equipment that is offered in the model series is
described in this chapter. Therefore, equip‐
ment is also described that is not available in a
vehicle, e. g., because of the selected optional
equipment or country variant. This also applies
for safety-related functions and systems.
Note
If the engine is switched off and the ignition is
switched on, the system automatically
switches to the radio ready state when the
door is opened if the lights are switched off or
the daytime running lights are switched on.
Start/Stop button
Ignition off
Automatic transmission: Press the Start/Stop
button again, but do not depress the brake.
The concept
Pressing the Start/Stop button
switches the ignition on or off
and starts the engine.
Manual-shift transmission: press the Start/
Stop button again, and do not press on the
clutch pedal at the same time.
Automatic transmission: The
engine starts if the brake is de‐
pressed while pressing the Start/Stop button.
All indicator lamps in the instrument cluster go
out.
To save battery power when the engine is off,
switch off the ignition and any unnecessary
electronic systems/power consumers.
Manual transmission: the engine starts if the
clutch pedal is depressed when the Start/Stop
button is pressed.
Transmission position P with the ignition
off
Ignition on
Automatic transmission: Press the Start/Stop
button but do not depress the brake.
When the ignition is switched off, position P is
engaged automatically. When in an automatic
car wash, for example, ensure that the ignition
is not switched off accidentally.◀
Manual-shift transmission: press the Start/
Stop button, and do not press on the clutch
pedal at the same time.
The ignition automatically cuts off while the
vehicle is stationary and the engine is stopped:
All vehicle systems are ready for operation.
▷
When locking the vehicle, and when the
low beams are activated.
Most of the indicator and warning lamps in the
instrument cluster light up for varying lengths
of time.
▷
Shortly before the battery is discharged
completely, so that the engine can still be
started. This function is only available
when the low beams are switched off.
To save battery power when the engine is off,
switch off the ignition and any unnecessary
electronic systems/power consumers.
▷
When opening or closing the driver door, if
the driver's seat belt is unbuckled and the
low beams are switched off.
The ignition switches off automatically:
▷
When locking the vehicle, even if the low
beams are switched on.
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Controls
Driving
▷
While the driver's seat belt is unbuckled, if
the driver's door is open and the low
beams are switched off.
Repeated starting in quick succession
Avoid repeated unsuccessful attempts to
start the vehicle or starting the vehicle several
times in quick succession. Otherwise, the fuel
is not burned or is inadequately burned, posing
a risk of overheating and damage to the cata‐
lytic converter.◀
When the ignition is switched off, by opening
or closing the driver's door or unbuckling the
driver's seat belt, the radio ready state remains
active.
Do not wait for the engine to warm-up while
the vehicle remains stationary. Start driving at
moderate engine speeds.
Radio ready state
Activate radio ready state:
▷
When the engine is running: press the
Start/Stop button.
Diesel engine
Some electronic systems/power consumers
remain ready for operation.
If the engine is cold and temperatures are be‐
low approx. 32 ℉/0 ℃, the start process may
be delayed somewhat due to automatic pre‐
heating.
The radio ready state switches off automati‐
cally:
A Check Control message is displayed.
▷
▷
After approx. 8 minutes.
When the vehicle is locked using the cen‐
tral locking system.
Manual transmission
▷
Shortly before the battery is discharged
completely, so that the engine can still be
started.
Starting the engine
1. Depress the brake pedal.
2. Press on the clutch pedal and shift to neu‐
tral.
3. Press the Start/Stop button.
Starting the engine
The ignition is activated automatically for a
certain time and is stopped as soon as the en‐
gine starts.
Hints
Enclosed areas
Do not let the engine run in enclosed
areas; otherwise, breathing of exhaust fumes
may lead to loss of consciousness and death.
The exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide,
an odorless and colorless but highly toxic
gas.◀
Automatic transmission
Starting the engine
1. Depress the brake pedal.
2. Press the Start/Stop button.
The ignition is activated automatically for a
certain time and is stopped as soon as the en‐
gine starts.
Unattended vehicle
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with
the engine running; doing so poses a risk of
danger.
Before leaving the vehicle with the engine run‐
ning, set the parking brake and place the trans‐
mission in position P or neutral to prevent the
vehicle from moving.◀
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Driving
Controls
Engine stop
Automatic Engine Start/Stop
Function
Hints
The concept
Take the remote control with you
The Auto Start/Stop function helps save fuel.
The system switches off the engine during a
stop, e.g., in a traffic congestion or at traffic
lights. The ignition remains switched on. The
engine starts again automatically for driving
off.
Take the remote control with you when
leaving the vehicle so that children, for exam‐
ple, cannot start the engine.◀
Set the parking brake and further secure
the vehicle as required
Set the parking brake firmly when parking; oth‐
erwise, the vehicle could roll. On steep upward
and downward inclines, further secure the ve‐
hicle, for example, by turning the steering
wheel in the direction of the curb. ◀
Certain vehicle components may experience
additional wear as a result of this system.
Automatic mode
The Auto Start/Stop function is operational af‐
ter each engine start.
Before driving into a car wash
This function is activated at speeds faster than
about 3 mph, approx. 5 km/h.
In order for the vehicle to be able to roll into a
car wash, heed the information regarding
Washing in automatic car washes, refer to
page 226.
Engine stop
The engine is switched off automatically dur‐
ing a stop under the following conditions:
Manual transmission
Manual transmission:
▷
Neutral is engaged and the clutch pedal is
not pressed.
Switching off the engine
1. With the vehicle at a standstill, press the
Start/Stop button.
▷
The driver's seat belt is buckled or the driv‐
er's door is closed.
2. Shift into first gear or reverse.
3. Set the parking brake.
Automatic transmission:
▷
▷
▷
The selector lever is in transmission posi‐
tion D.
Automatic transmission
Switching off the engine
1. Engage transmission position P with the
vehicle stopped.
Brake pedal remains depressed while the
vehicle is stopped.
The driver's seat belt is buckled or the driv‐
er's door is closed.
2. Press the Start/Stop button.
The engine is switched off.
The air volume of the air conditioner is reduced
when the engine is switched off.
The radio ready state is switched on.
3. Set the parking brake.
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Controls
Driving
▷
Automatic transmission:
Displays in the instrument cluster
By releasing the brake pedal.
The READY display in the tach‐
ometer signals that the Auto
Start/Stop function is ready to
start the engine automatically.
After the engine starts, accelerate as usual.
Safety mode
After the engine switches off automatically, it
will not start again automatically if any one of
the following conditions are met.
The display indicates that the
conditions for an automatic en‐
gine stop have not been satis‐
fied.
▷
The driver's safety belt is unbuckled and
the driver's door is open.
▷
The hood was unlocked.
Some indicator lamps light up for varying
lengths of time.
Note
The engine is not switched off automatically in
the following situations:
The engine can only be started via the Start/
Stop button.
▷
▷
External temperature too low.
The external temperature is high and auto‐
matic climate control is running.
Note
Even if driving away was not intended, the de‐
activated engine starts up automatically in the
following situations:
▷
The passenger compartment has not yet
been heated or cooled to the required
level.
▷
Excessive warming of the passenger com‐
partment when the cooling function is
switched on.
▷
▷
The engine is not yet at operating temper‐
ature.
The wheels are at a sharp angle or the
steering wheel is being turned.
▷
▷
The steering wheel is turned.
Automatic transmission: the transmission
position is changed from D to N, R, or M/S.
▷
▷
After driving in reverse.
Fogging of the windows when the auto‐
matic climate control is switched on.
▷
Automatic transmission: the transmission
position is changed from P to N, D, R or
M/S.
▷
▷
▷
▷
▷
Vehicle battery is heavily discharged.
The engine compartment lid is unlocked.
The parking assistant is activated.
Stop-and-go traffic.
▷
▷
The vehicle begins rolling.
Fogging of the windows when the auto‐
matic climate control is switched on.
▷
▷
Vehicle battery is heavily discharged.
The transmission selector lever is in posi‐
tion N or M/S.
Excessive cooling of the passenger com‐
partment when the heating is switched on.
▷
Use of fuel with high ethanol content.
▷
Low brake vacuum pressure; this can oc‐
cur, for example, if the brake pedal is de‐
pressed a number of times in succession.
Starting the engine
The engine starts automatically under the fol‐
lowing conditions:
▷
Manual transmission:
The clutch pedal is pressed.
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Driving
Controls
Activating/deactivating the system
manually
Malfunction
The Auto Start/Stop function no longer
switches of the engine automatically. A Check
Control message is displayed. It is possible to
continue driving. Have the system checked.
Using the button
Parking brake
Applying
The lever automatically engages after being
pulled up.
The indicator lamp lights up red. The
parking brake is set.
Press the button.
Lower lamp: indicator lamp in Canadian
models
▷
▷
LED comes on: Auto Start Stop function is
deactivated.
The engine is started during an automatic
engine stop.
Releasing
The engine can only be stopped or started
via the Start/Stop button.
LED goes out: Auto Start Stop function is
activated.
Switching off the vehicle during an
automatic engine stop
During an automatic engine stop, the vehicle
can be switched off permanently, e.g., when
leaving it.
Raise lever slightly, press the button and guide
the lever down.
1. Press the Start/Stop button. The ignition is
switched off. The Auto Start/Stop function
is deactivated.
Hints
Use while driving
Transmission position P is engaged auto‐
matically.
If on a rare occasion it is necessary to
use the parking brake while driving, do not use
excessive force when applying it. When using
it, keep the button on the lever depressed.
2. Set the parking brake.
Engine start as usual via Start/Stop button.
Otherwise, using excessive force when apply‐
ing the parking brake may cause the rear
wheels to lock, resulting in fishtailing.◀
Automatic deactivation
In certain situations, the Auto Start/Stop func‐
tion is deactivated automatically for safety rea‐
sons, such as when the driver is detected to be
absent.
To prevent corrosion and braking control on
one side only, lightly apply the parking brake
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Controls
Driving
periodically while coasting, if traffic conditions
permit.
Signaling briefly
Press the lever to the resistance point and hold
it there for as long as you want the turn signal
to flash.
The brake lamps will not light up if the parking
brake is engaged.
High beams, headlamp flasher
Turn signal, high beams,
headlamp flasher
Turn signal
Do not fold in the exterior mirrors
Do not fold in the exterior mirror while
driving and when the turn signals/warning
flashers are working, or else the additional
flasher lights in the exterior mirror will no lon‐
ger be in the prescribed position and will be
difficult to see.◀
▷
▷
High beams, arrow 1.
Headlamp flasher, arrow 2.
Using turn signals
Washer/wiper system
Switching the wipers on/off and brief
wipe
Do not switch on the wipers if frozen
Do not switch on the wipers if they are
frozen onto the windshield; otherwise, the
wiper blades and the windshield wiper motor
may be damaged.◀
Press the lever beyond the resistance point.
No wiper operation on dry windshield
To switch off manually, press the lever to the
resistance point.
Do not use the windshield wipers if the
windshield is dry, as this may damage the
wiper blades or cause them to become worn
more quickly.◀
Unusually rapid flashing of the indicator lamp
indicates that a turn signal bulb has failed.
No wiper operation with wipers folded
away
Triple turn signal activation
Press the lever to the resistance point.
The turn signal flashes three times.
The function can be activated or deactivated:
Do not switch on the wipers if they are folded
away, otherwise the hood or the wipers may be
damaged.◀
1. "Settings"
2. "Lighting"
3. "Triple turn signal"
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Driving
Controls
Switching on
Intermittent operation or rain sensor
The concept
Without the rain sensor, the frequency of the
wiper operation is preset.
The rain sensor automatically controls the time
between wipes depending on the intensity of
the rainfall. The sensor is located on the wind‐
shield, directly behind the interior rearview mir‐
ror.
Press the wiper levers up.
Activating/deactivating
The lever automatically returns to its initial po‐
sition when released.
▷
▷
Normal wiping speed: press up once.
The wipers switch to intermittent operation
when the vehicle is stationary.
Fast wiping speed: press up twice or press
once beyond the resistance point.
The wipers switch to normal speed when
the vehicle is stationary.
Press the button on the wiper lever.
Switching off and brief wipe
The LED in the wiper lever lights up and a wip‐
ing operation is started. At temperatures below
32 ℉/0 ℃, a wiping operation is not started.
Deactivate the rain sensor in car washes
Deactivate the rain sensor when passing
through an automatic car wash; otherwise,
damage could be caused by undesired wiper
activation.◀
Press the wiper levers down.
The lever automatically returns to its initial po‐
sition when released.
▷
▷
Brief wipe: press down once.
To switch off normal wipe: press down
once.
▷
To switch off fast wipe: press down twice.
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Controls
Driving
Setting the frequency or sensitivity of
the rain sensor
Fold-out position of the wipers
Required when changing the wiper blades or
under frosty conditions, for example.
1. Switch the ignition on and off again.
2. Under frosty conditions, ensure that the
wiper blades are not frozen onto the wind‐
shield.
3. Press the wiper lever up beyond the point
of resistance and hold it for approx. 3 sec‐
onds, until the wiper remains in a nearly
vertical position.
Turn the thumbwheel.
After the wipers are folded back down, the
wiper system must be reactivated.
Clean the windshield, headlamps
Fold the wipers back down
Before switching the ignition on, fold the
wipers back down to the windshield; other‐
wise, the wipers may become damaged when
they are switched on.◀
1. Switch on the ignition.
2. Press the wiper levers down. The wipers
move to their resting position and are
ready for operation.
Pull the wiper lever.
The system sprays washer fluid on the wind‐
shield and activates the wipers briefly.
Washer fluid
In addition, the headlamps are cleaned at regu‐
lar intervals when the vehicle lights are
switched on.
General information
Antifreeze for washer fluid
Antifreeze is flammable and can cause
injury if it is used incorrectly.
Do not use the washer system at freezing
temperatures
Therefore, keep it away from sources of igni‐
tion.
Do not use the washers if there is any danger
that the fluid will freeze on the windshield; oth‐
erwise, your vision could be obscured. For this
reason, use antifreeze.
Only keep it in the closed original container
and inaccessible to children.
Follow the notes and instructions on the con‐
tainer.
Avoid using the washer when the reservoir is
empty; otherwise, you could damage the
pump.◀
United States: The washer fluid mixture ratio is
regulated by the U.S. EPA and many individual
states; do not exceed the allowable washer
fluid dilution ratios limits that apply. Follow the
usage instructions on the washer fluid con‐
Windshield washer nozzles
The windshield washer nozzles are automati‐
cally heated while the ignition is switched on.
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Driving
Controls
tainer. Use BMW’s Windshield Washer Con‐
centrate or the equivalent.◀
Manual transmission
Shifting
Washer fluid reservoir
Shifting into 5th or 6th gear
Adding washer fluid
When shifting into 5th or 6th gear, push
the gearshift lever to the right; otherwise inad‐
vertent shifting into the 3rd or 4th gear could
lead to engine damage.◀
Only add washer fluid when the engine is
cool, and then close the cover completely to
avoid contact between the washer fluid and
hot engine parts.
Otherwise, there is the danger of fire and a risk
to personal safety if the fluid is spilled.◀
Reverse gear
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
When the gearshift lever is pressed to the left,
a slight resistance needs to be overcome.
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
Transmission positions
D Drive, automatic position
Position for normal vehicle operation. All for‐
ward gears are available.
All washer nozzles are supplied from one res‐
ervoir.
Fill with a mixture of windshield washer con‐
centrate and tap water and – if required – with a
washer antifreeze, according to the manufac‐
turer's recommendations.
R is Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
Mix the washer fluid before adding to maintain
the correct mixing ratio.
N is Neutral
Use in automatic car washes, for example. The
vehicle can roll.
Do not add windshield washer concentrate and
antifreeze undiluted and do not fill with pure
water; this could damage the wiper system.
When the ignition is switched off, refer to
Do not mix window washer concentrates of dif‐
ferent manufacturers, because otherwise it can
result in clogging of the windshield washer
nozzles.
P Park
Select only when the vehicle is stationary. The
drive wheels are blocked.
For the capacity, refer to technical data.
P is engaged automatically:
▷
After the engine is switched off when the
vehicle is in radio ready state, refer to
or D is engaged.
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Controls
Driving
▷
▷
With the ignition is off, if position N is en‐
gaged.
After releasing the selector lever, it returns to
its center position.
If the safety belt is unbuckled, the driver's
door is opened, and the brake pedal is not
pressed while the vehicle is stationary and
transmission position R or D is engaged.
Before exiting the vehicle, make sure that posi‐
tion P of the automatic transmission is en‐
gaged. Otherwise, the vehicle may begin to
roll.
Kickdown
Press unlock button, in order to:
Kickdown is used to achieve maximum driving
performance. Press on the gas pedal beyond
the resistance point at the full throttle position.
▷
▷
Engage R.
Shift out of P.
Engaging the transmission position
Engaging P
▷
Transmission position P can only be disen‐
gaged if the engine is running and the
brake pedal is pressed.
▷
With the vehicle stationary, press on the
brake pedal before shifting out of P or N;
otherwise, the shift command will not be
executed: shift lock.
Depress the brake until you start
driving
To prevent the vehicle from creeping after
you select a driving position, maintain
pressure on the brake pedal until you are
ready to start.◀
Press button P.
Sport program and manual mode
Activating the sport program
Engaging D, R and N
Push the selector lever to the left out of trans‐
mission position D.
Briefly push the selector lever in the desired di‐
rection, beyond a resistance point if necessary.
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Driving
Controls
The sport program of the transmission is acti‐
vated.
D is displayed in the instrument cluster.
Shift paddles
Activating the M/S manual mode
1. Push the selector lever to the left out of
transmission position D.
2. Push the selector lever forward or pull it
backward.
Manual mode becomes active and the gear is
changed.
The engaged gear is displayed in the instru‐
ment cluster, e.g., M1.
The shift paddles on the steering wheel allow
you to shift gears quickly while keeping both
hands on the steering wheel.
Once maximum engine speed is attained, M/S
manual mode is automatically upshifted as
needed.
If the shift paddles on the steering wheel are
used to shift gears in automatic mode, the
transmission temporarily switches to manual
mode.
Switching to manual mode
▷
To shift down: press the selector lever for‐
ward.
If the shift paddles are not used and the vehicle
is not accelerated for a certain time, the sys‐
tem switches back into automatic mode if the
selector lever is in transmission position D.
▷
To shift up: pull the selector lever rear‐
wards.
Gears will only be shifted at appropriate engine
and road speeds, e.g., downshifting is not pos‐
sible if the engine speed is too high.
▷
▷
Shift up: pull right shift paddle.
Shift down: pull left shift paddle.
The selected gear is briefly displayed in the in‐
strument cluster, followed by the current gear.
Gears will only be shifted at appropriate engine
and road speeds, e.g., downshifting is not pos‐
sible if the engine speed is too high.
Sport automatic transmission: prevent
automatic upshifting in M/S manual
mode
The selected gear is briefly displayed in the in‐
strument cluster, followed by the current gear.
For vehicles with Sport automatic transmis‐
sions, automatic shift operations are not per‐
formed, at maximum engine speed for exam‐
ple, if one of the following conditions is met:
Displays in the instrument cluster
The transmission position is dis‐
played, e.g.: P.
▷
▷
▷
DSC deactivated.
TRACTION activated.
SPORT+ activated.
Sport automatic transmission: launch
Control
In addition, the kickdown is deactivated.
Ending the sport program/manual
mode
Push the selector lever to the right.
The concept
Launch Control enables optimum acceleration
on surfaces with good traction.
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Controls
Driving
Hints
Component wear
Do not use Launch Control too often;
otherwise, this may result in premature wear of
components due to the high stress placed on
the vehicle.◀
Did not use Launch Control during the break-
in, refer to page 164, period.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC
again as soon as possible.
Requirements
Launch Control is available when the engine is
warmed up, that is, after uninterrupted driving
of at least 6 miles/10 km.
To start with Launch Control do not steer the
steering wheel.
Start with launch control
While the engine is running:
1.
Press button or select with the
Driving Dynamics Control Sport+.
TRACTION is displayed in the instrument
cluster and the indicator lamp for DSC OFF
lights up.
2. Engaging the transmission position S
3. With the left foot, forcefully press down on
the brake.
4. Press on the accelerator beyond the resist‐
ance point at the full throttle position.
A flag symbol appears in the instrument
cluster.
5. The starting engine speed adjusts. Within
3 seconds, release the brake.
Before using Launch Control, allow the trans‐
mission to cool down for approx. 5 minutes.
Launch Control adjusts to the surrounding
conditions, e.g., wet pavement, when used
again.
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