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EnglishCONTROLS -> Driving for your BMW 4 Series 2020-2025
Driving
CONTROLS
Driving
The Start/Stop button is located on the
center console.
Vehicle features and options
This chapter describes model-specific equip-
ment, systems, and functions that are currently
available, or may become available in the fu-
ture, even if they are not present in the vehicle.
Driving off
1. Turn on drive-ready state.
2. Apply gear position.
3. Driving off.
Additional information:
Vehicle equipment, refer to page 8.
Acoustic pedestrian protection
Start/Stop button
Depending on vehicle equipment and national-
market version, Acoustic Pedestrian Protection
generates a continuous driving noise in vehi-
cles with electric or electrically assisted drives.
Principle
Pressing the Start/Stop button turns drive-
ready state on/off.
▷
With a stationary vehicle and drive-ready
state turned on, as soon as the selector
lever position P is exited.
General information
Drive-ready state turns on when the brake
pedal is pressed while pushing the Start/Stop
button.
▷
With electric driving up to approx.
20 mph/30 km/h.
A speaker system broadcasts the noise to the
environment. As a result, other road users,
for instance pedestrians or cyclists, can better
perceive the vehicle.
Pressing the Start/Stop button again turns
drive-ready state back off and turns standby
state back on.
Additional information:
Auto Start/Stop function
▷
▷
Drive-ready state, refer to page 44.
Standby state, refer to page 43.
Principle
Overview
The Auto Start/Stop function helps save fuel.
The system switches off the engine during a
stop, for instance in traffic jam or at traffic
lights. Drive-ready state remains switched on.
The engine starts automatically for driving off.
General information
The Auto Start/Stop function switches to
standby whenever the engine is started using
the Start/Stop button.
The function is activated at low speeds.
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Driving
CONTROLS
▷
▷
▷
▷
When the ambient temperature is high and
automatic climate control is switched on.
Engine stop
Functional requirements
The engine is switched off automatically when
stopping under the following conditions:
Vehicle interior has not yet been heated or
cooled as desired.
When window condensation is possible and
automatic climate control is switched on.
▷
The selector lever is in selector lever posi-
tion D.
Engine or other components are not at op-
erating temperature.
▷
The brake pedal remains depressed while
the vehicle is at a standstill or the vehicle is
held by Automatic Hold.
▷
▷
▷
▷
▷
▷
▷
Engine cooling is required.
Vehicle battery is deeply discharged.
At higher elevations.
▷
The driver's seat belt is buckled or the driv-
er's door is closed.
The hood is unlocked.
For stop-and-go traffic.
After driving in reverse.
Manual engine stop
If the engine was not switched off automati-
cally when the vehicle stopped, the engine can
be switched off manually:
Without Mild Hybrid technology: Wheels are
at a sharp angle or steering wheel is being
turned.
▷
Depress the brake pedal forcefully again
from the current pedal position.
▷
Selector lever position is S or R.
▷
Engage selector lever position P.
Starting the engine
When all functional preconditions are fulfilled,
the engine switches off.
Functional requirements
The engine starts automatically under the fol-
lowing preconditions:
Air conditioning system when the
engine is switched off
The air flow from the air conditioning system is
reduced when the engine is switched off.
▷
▷
By releasing the brake pedal.
When Automatic Hold is activated: step on
the accelerator pedal.
Display in the instrument cluster
Driving off
Accelerating as usual after starting the engine.
The display in the instrument
cluster indicates that the Auto
Start/Stop function is ready for
an automatic engine start.
Safety mode
After the engine switches off automatically, it
will not start again automatically if any one of
the following conditions are met:
Functional limitations
The engine does not switch off automatically in
situations like the following:
▷
The driver's seat belt is unbuckled and the
driver's door is open.
▷
▷
In case of a steep downhill grade.
▷
Hood was unlocked.
Brake pedal was not depressed hard
enough.
Some indicator lights illuminate for a varied
length of time.
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Driving
CONTROLS
The engine can only be started using the Start/
Stop button.
Depending on vehicle equipment: Via
button
System limits
Even if driving off was not intended, the deac-
tivated engine starts up automatically in the
following situations:
▷
▷
▷
▷
Vehicle interior is extremely hot when the
cooling is on.
Vehicle interior is extremely cold when the
heating is on.
When window condensation is possible and
automatic climate control is switched on.
Press the button.
▷
LED is illuminated: Auto Start/Stop
function is deactivated.
Without mild hybrid technology:
In case of a steering operation.
▷
LED off: Auto Start/Stop function is ena-
bled.
▷
▷
▷
When changing selector lever position from
D or P.
In case of seriously discharged vehicle bat-
tery.
Via selector lever position
The Auto Start/Stop function is also disabled
in selector lever position S.
When starting an oil level measurement.
Deactivating the system manually
Via the Driving Experience Control
The Auto Start/Stop function is also deacti-
vated in SPORT driving mode of the Driving
Experience Control.
Principle
In certain driving situations, e.g., traffic jams,
it may be helpful to deactivate Auto Start/
Stop manually. The engine will then no longer
switch off automatically.
Switching off the vehicle during an
automatic engine stop
If the engine stops automatically, the vehicle
can be parked safely, for example to leave it.
If this function is deactivated while the engine
is being stopped automatically, the engine will
start.
1. Press the Start/Stop button.
▷
▷
▷
Drive-ready state is switched off.
Standby state is switched on.
Selector lever position P is engaged au-
tomatically.
2. Set the parking brake.
Automatic deactivation
In certain situations, the Auto Start/Stop func-
tion is deactivated automatically for safety rea-
sons, for instance if no driver is detected.
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Driving
CONTROLS
Parking position P
Malfunction
The Auto Start/Stop function no longer
switches off the engine automatically. A Check
Control message is displayed. You may con-
tinue driving. Have the vehicle checked by an
authorized service center or another qualified
service center or repair shop.
General information
Selector lever position, for instance for parking
the vehicle. The transmission blocks the drive
in selector lever position P.
Engage selector lever position P only when the
vehicle is stationary.
Steptronic transmission
P is engaged automatically
Selector lever position P is engaged automati-
cally in situations such as the following:
Principle
The Steptronic transmission is the vehicle's
automatic transmission. With shift paddles, it
offers the option of manual shifting if needed.
▷
▷
▷
After drive-ready state is switched off, if se-
lector lever position R, D, or S is engaged.
After standby is switched off, if selector
lever position N is engaged.
Safety information
The driver's seat belt is unbuckled and the
driver's door is opened while the vehicle is
stationary and selector lever position D, S,
or R is engaged.
Warning
An unsecured vehicle can begin to move and
possibly roll away. There is a risk of accident,
injury, or property damage. Before leaving
your vehicle, secure it against rolling away,
e.g., by applying the parking brake.
Before exiting the vehicle, make sure that se-
lector lever position P is engaged and the
parking brake is engaged. Otherwise, the vehi-
cle may begin to move.
Additional information:
Parking brake, refer to page 125.
Selector lever positions
Engaging selector lever positions
Gear position D
Selector lever position for normal driving. All
gears for forward travel are activated automat-
ically.
General information
To prevent the vehicle from creeping after you
select a gear position or reverse gear, main-
tain pressure on the brake pedal until you are
ready to drive off.
R reverse gear
Engage selector lever position R only when the
vehicle is stationary.
Functional requirements
Only when the drive-ready state is switched on
and the brake pedal is depressed is it possible
to change from selector lever position P to an-
other selector lever position.
N Neutral
The vehicle may be pushed or roll without
drive, for instance in car washes, in selector
lever position N.
The selection lever position P cannot be
changed until all technical prerequisites are
met.
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Driving
CONTROLS
Engaging selector lever position D, N,
R
Engaging selector lever position N
1. Fasten driver's seat belt.
NOTICE
2. Tilt or pull the selector lever into the desired
direction, past a resistance point, if needed.
The selector lever automatically returns to
the center position when released.
Selector lever position P is automatically en-
gaged when standby state is switched off.
The wheels are blocked. There is a risk
of damage to property. Do not switch off
standby if the vehicle is meant to coast, e.g.,
in a car wash.
1. Switch on drive-ready state while pressing
on the brake pedal.
2. If necessary, release the parking brake and
switch off Automatic Hold.
3. Depress the brake pedal.
4. Engage selector lever position N.
5. Switch off drive-ready state.
Engaging selector lever position P
In this way, standby state remains switched
on, and a Check Control message is dis-
played.
Press the button.
The parking brake is applied and the
transmission lock is engaged.
The vehicle can roll.
Selector lever position P is engaged automati-
cally after approximately 35 minutes.
If the system is not operational, you may not
be able to change the selector lever position.
Electronically unlock the transmission lock, if
needed.
Additional information:
Electronic unlocking of the transmission lock,
refer to page 120.
Press button P.
The transmission lock is engaged.
Kickdown
Kickdown is used to achieve maximum driving
performance.
Rolling or pushing the vehicle
Step on the accelerator pedal beyond the re-
sistance point at the full throttle position.
General information
In some situations, the vehicle is supposed to
roll without its own drive for a short distance,
for instance in a car wash or to be pushed.
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Driving
CONTROLS
S Sport mode
Electronic unlocking of the
transmission lock
Principle
General information
Unlock the transmission lock electroni-
cally, e.g., to maneuver the vehicle out of a
hazardous area in the event of a malfunction.
The shifting points and shifting times in the
Sport program are designed for sportier han-
dling. The transmission, for instance shifts up
later and the shifting times are shorter.
Before unlocking the transmission lock, secure
the vehicle against rolling away, for instance
with a wheel chock.
Activating the Sport program
Engaging selector lever position N
1. Quickly press the Start/Stop button three
times without pressing the brake.
2. Depress the brake pedal.
3. Press the selector lever to position N until
position N is shown on the selector lever.
An appropriate Check Control message is
displayed.
Pull the selector lever from selector lever posi-
tion D to D/S.
4. Maneuver the vehicle from the hazardous
area and secure it against rolling away.
The engaged gear is displayed in the instru-
ment cluster, for instance S1.
The sport program of the transmission is acti-
vated.
Shift paddles
Ending the Sport program
Pull the selector lever to D/S.
Principle
The shift paddles on the steering wheel are
used to change gears manually.
D is displayed in the instrument cluster.
Displays in the instrument cluster
General information
The selector lever position is
displayed, for example P.
Shifting
The vehicle only shifts at suitable RPM and
road speeds.
Even in manual mode, the transmission shifts
automatically in certain situations, e.g., when
speed limits are reached.
Temporary manual mode
In selector lever position D, pulling a shift pad-
dle switches into manual mode temporarily.
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Driving
CONTROLS
The engaged gear is also displayed in the in-
strument cluster, for instance D1.
The selected gear is briefly displayed in the in-
strument cluster, followed by the current gear.
After conservative driving in manual mode
without acceleration or shifting via the shift
paddles for a certain amount of time, the
transmission switches back to automatic
mode.
Advanced mode
General information
Depending on vehicle equipment, the Step-
tronic Sport transmission offers an advanced
mode with adapted shift characteristics.
It is possible to switch into automatic mode:
▷
Pull and hold the right shift paddle until D is
displayed in the instrument cluster.
▷
▷
▷
Automatic downshift to lowest possible
gear.
▷
In addition to the pulled right shift paddle,
pull the left shift paddle.
If the left shift paddle is pulled and held, the
Steptronic transmission automatically shifts
down to the lowest possible gear.
Continuous manual mode
In Sport program S, pulling a shift paddle
switches to manual mode M permanently.
Avoid automatic upshifting in manual
mode.
The engaged gear is displayed in the instru-
ment cluster, for instance M1.
In manual mode, the Steptronic transmis-
sion does not shift up automatically when
speed limits are reached.
It is possible to switch into automatic mode:
▷
▷
▷
Pull and hold the right shift paddle until S is
displayed on the instrument cluster.
There is no downshifting for kickdown.
Enabling advanced mode
Advanced mode is active in manual mode.
In addition to the pulled right shift paddle,
pull the left shift paddle.
Pull the selector lever to D/S.
"SPORT": The driving mode must be selected
and configured depending on vehicle equip-
ment.
When M2 is set manually while the vehicle is
stationary, the transmission will no longer shift
back to M1. This shift behavior is maintained
until M1 is engaged manually or manual mode
M is exited.
Launch Control
Shifting
Principle
Launch Control enables optimum acceleration
on roads with good traction under dry sur-
rounding conditions.
General information
Using Launch Control causes premature com-
ponent wear since this function represents a
very heavy load for the vehicle.
Do not turn the steering wheel when driving off
with Launch Control.
▷
▷
Upshifting: pull the right shift paddle.
Downshifting: pull left shift paddle.
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Driving
CONTROLS
Do not use Launch Control when breaking in
the vehicle.
After using Launch Control
To support driving stability, reactivate Dynamic
Stability Control as soon as possible.
Additional information:
Break-in, refer to page 270.
System limits
An experienced driver may be able to achieve
better acceleration values in DSC OFF without
Launch Control mode.
Functional requirement
Launch Control can be used when the engine
is at operating temperature. The engine is at
operating temperature after an uninterrupted
trip of at least 6 miles/10 km.
Steptronic Sport
transmission: sprint function
Driving off with Launch Control
1. Turn on drive-ready state.
Principle
Depending on the equipment, the Sprint func-
tion can be used for an upcoming acceleration
process. The Sprint function prepares the driv-
etrain for the acceleration process.
2.
Press the button.
3. Activate TRACTION on the control display.
4. Engage selector lever position S.
5. With the left foot, press down forcefully on
the brake.
General information
When the Sprint function is activated, the re-
sponse characteristics of the vehicle will be-
come more dynamic.
6. Press and hold down the accelerator pedal
beyond the resistance point at the full throt-
tle position, kickdown.
A destination flag is displayed in the instru-
ment cluster.
Activating
1. Keep the left shift paddle pulled until
SPRINT is displayed in the instrument clus-
ter.
7. The starting engine speed adjusts. Wait
briefly until the engine speed is constant.
Keep the accelerator pedal in this position.
8. Release the brake within a few seconds of
the destination flag illuminating.
▷
The transmission shifts down to the
lowest possible gear and switches to
manual operation M.
The vehicle accelerates.
▷
A dynamic setting has been activated
for the drivetrain.
Upshifting is performed automatically as
long as the destination flag is displayed
and the accelerator pedal is not released.
2. Change gears manually.
Repeated use during a trip
Automatic deactivation
After Launch Control has been used, the trans-
mission must cool down for a short time before
Launch Control can be used again. Launch
Control adjusts to the surrounding conditions
when used again.
The Sprint function is ended automatically
when driving moderately for a defined period
of time.
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Driving
CONTROLS
Manual deactivation
Button
Driving mode
▷
Keep the right shift paddle pulled until
SPRINT is no longer displayed in the instru-
ment cluster.
SPORT
SPORT PLUS
SPORT INDIVIDUAL
▷
▷
In addition to the pulled right shift paddle,
pull the left shift paddle.
COMFORT
Press the selector lever from selector lever
position S to D.
ECO PRO
ECO PRO INDIVIDUAL
Driving Experience Control
Displays in the instrument cluster
Principle
The Driving Experience Control influences,
among other things, the vehicle's driving dy-
namics.
The selected driving mode is
displayed in the instrument clus-
ter.
The vehicle can be adjusted depending on the
situation using various driving modes.
Activating/deactivating drive modes
Press the button for the desired drive mode
repeatedly until the desired drive mode is dis-
played in the instrument cluster.
General information
The following systems may be affected, for in-
stance:
▷
▷
▷
▷
▷
Drivetrain.
When changing the drive mode, the current
drive mode is deactivated.
Chassis.
Steering.
Driving modes in detail
Display in the instrument cluster.
Cruise control.
COMFORT
The COMFORT driving mode is a balanced
setting between sporty and consumption-opti-
mized driving.
Overview
Buttons in the vehicle
SPORT
The SPORT driving mode is a dynamic setting
for more agility with an optimized suspension.
SPORT PLUS
The SPORT PLUS driving mode is a dynamic
setting for maximum agility with an adjusted
drive.
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Driving
CONTROLS
ECO PRO
In ECO PRO driving mode, consumption is op-
timized.
Safety information
Warning
People or animals in the vehicle can lock the
doors from the inside and lock themselves in.
In this case, the vehicle cannot be opened
from the outside. There is a risk of injury.
Take the vehicle key with you so that the ve-
hicle can be opened from the outside.
INDIVIDUAL configuration
General information
For some driving modes, there is another
mode that can be adjusted individually.
The individual configuration set last is acti-
vated directly when the driving mode is called
up again.
Warning
For some national-market versions, unlock-
ing from the inside is only possible with par-
ticular knowledge.
Configuring and resetting
E.g., ECO PRO INDIVIDUAL drive mode:
If persons or animals spend a lengthy time
in the vehicle and are thereby exposed to ex-
treme temperatures, there is a risk of injury
or danger to life. Do not lock the vehicle from
the outside when there are people or animals
in it. Do not leave babies, toddlers or animals
alone in the vehicle.
1.
Apps menu
2. "Vehicle"
3. "Driving settings"
4. "Drivetrain and chassis"
5. "ECO PRO INDIVIDUAL"
6. Select the desired setting.
Reset ECO PRO INDIVIDUAL to the standard
settings:
My Programs in detail
"Reset to ECO PRO STANDARD"
My Pro-
grams
Description
Enabling INDIVIDUAL
Press the button for the desired driving mode
several times.
"REAR
This program creates an at-
SEAT VIEW" mosphere that encourages
sleep for children in the rear.
My Programs
Activating/deactivating My
Programs
Principle
1.
Apps menu
Various vehicle functions in the vehicle interior
are adapted to each other in a program.
2. "All apps"
3. "REAR SEAT VIEW"
When a program is selected, for example, the
interior lighting, climate control, and music se-
lection are adjusted.
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Driving
CONTROLS
Overview
Parking brake
Button in the vehicle
Principle
The parking brake is used to prevent the vehi-
cle from rolling away when it is parked.
Safety information
Warning
An unsecured vehicle can begin to move and
possibly roll away. There is a risk of accident,
injury, or property damage. Before leaving
the vehicle, secure the vehicle against rolling
away.
Parking brake
In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured
against rolling away, follow the following:
Setting the parking brake
▷
▷
Set the parking brake.
With a stationary vehicle
On uphill grades or on downhill slopes,
turn the front wheels in the direction of
the curb.
Pull the switch.
The LED illuminates.
▷
On uphill grades or on downhill slopes,
also secure the vehicle, for instance with
a wheel chock.
The indicator light in the instrument
cluster illuminates red.
The parking brake is set.
Warning
While driving
Unattended children or animals in the vehicle
can cause the vehicle to move and endanger
themselves and traffic, for example, due to
the following actions:
Use while driving serves as an emergency
braking function.
Pull the switch and hold it. The vehicle
brakes hard while the switch is being
pulled.
▷
▷
▷
Establishing standby.
Releasing the parking brake.
The indicator light in the instrument
cluster illuminates red, a signal sounds,
and the brake lights illuminate.
Opening and closing the doors or win-
dows.
▷
▷
Engaging selector lever position N.
Using vehicle equipment.
A Check Control message is displayed.
There is a risk of accident, injury, or property
damage. Do not leave children or animals un-
attended in the vehicle. Take the vehicle key
with you when exiting and lock the vehicle.
The parking brake is engaged when the vehi-
cle is stationary.
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Driving
CONTROLS
With Emergency Stop Assistant
1. Turn on standby state.
Briefly pull the switch to trigger the
Emergency Stop Assistant.
2.
Pull the switch while stepping on the
brake pedal or selector lever position P is
set and then push.
Additional information:
Emergency Stop Assistant, refer to page 183.
This process may take a few seconds. Some
mechanical sounds associated with this proc-
ess are normal.
Releasing the parking brake
The indicator light is no longer illumi-
nated as soon as the parking brake is
ready for operation again.
Releasing the parking brake manually
1. Turn on drive-ready state.
2.
Press the switch while stepping on
the brake pedal or selector lever position P
is set.
Automatic Hold
The LED and the indicator light go out.
The parking brake is released.
Principle
Automatic Hold assists the driver by automat-
ically applying and releasing the brake, for ex-
ample, in stop-and-go traffic.
Releasing the parking brake
automatically
The parking brake is released automatically
when you drive off.
The vehicle is automatically held in place when
it is stationary.
On uphill grades the system prevents the vehi-
cle from rolling back when driving off.
The LED and the indicator light go out.
Malfunction
If the parking brake fails or malfunctions, se-
cure the vehicle so that it does not roll away
before you exit.
General information
The parking brake is automatically engaged
under the following conditions:
▷
▷
If drive-ready state is turned off.
A Check Control message is displayed.
If the driver’s door is opened while the vehi-
cle is stationary.
Secure the vehicle against rolling away, for in-
stance with a wheel chock, after getting out of
the vehicle.
▷
If the parking brake is used to brake the
vehicle to a stop while driving.
After a power interruption
To reestablish parking brake operability after
a power interruption, an initialization may be
required.
Safety information
Warning
An unsecured vehicle can begin to move and
possibly roll away. There is a risk of accident,
injury, or property damage. Before leaving
the vehicle, secure the vehicle against rolling
away.
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Driving
CONTROLS
In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured
against rolling away, follow the following:
Overview
▷
▷
Set the parking brake.
Button in the vehicle
On uphill grades or on downhill slopes,
turn the front wheels in the direction of
the curb.
▷
On uphill grades or on downhill slopes,
also secure the vehicle, for instance with
a wheel chock.
Warning
Unattended children or animals in the vehicle
can cause the vehicle to move and endanger
themselves and traffic, for example, due to
the following actions:
Automatic Hold
Activating Automatic Hold
1. Turn on drive-ready state.
▷
▷
▷
Establishing standby.
Releasing the parking brake.
Opening and closing the doors or win-
dows.
2.
Press the button.
▷
▷
Engaging selector lever position N.
Using vehicle equipment.
The LED illuminates.
The indicator light illuminates green.
Automatic Hold is activated.
There is a risk of accident, injury, or property
damage. Do not leave children or animals un-
attended in the vehicle. Take the vehicle key
with you when exiting and lock the vehicle.
After every vehicle restart, the last se-
lected setting is active.
Automatic Hold holding the vehicle
Automatic Hold is activated and the driver’s
door is closed.
NOTICE
If the vehicle is stationary, Automatic Hold
engages the parking brake and prevents the
vehicle from rolling in a car wash. There is a
risk of damage to property. Deactivate Auto-
matic Hold prior to entering the car wash.
After stopping, the vehicle is automat-
ically secured against rolling away as
soon as the indicator light illuminates
green.
Driving off
Press the accelerator pedal to drive off.
The brake is released automatically and the
indicator light of the parking brake is no longer
illuminated.
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Driving
CONTROLS
Automatic parking brake application
The parking brake is automatically set if drive-
ready state is switched off while the vehicle is
being held by Automatic Hold or if the vehicle
is exited.
The indicator light changes from green
to red.
The parking brake is not set automatically if
the drive-ready state was switched off while
the vehicle was coasting. Automatic Hold is
temporarily deactivated in this case.
Deactivate Automatic Hold
Press the button.
The LED goes out.
The indicator light goes out.
Automatic Hold is switched off.
If the vehicle is being held by Automatic Hold,
also press on the brake pedal when switching
off.
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