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EnglishCONTROLS -> Driving for your BMW X1 2016-2022
Driving
CONTROLS
Driving
All indicator lights in the instrument cluster go
out.
Vehicle features and
options
To save battery power when the engine is off,
switch off the ignition and any unnecessary elec‐
tronic systems/power consumers.
This chapter describes all standard, country-spe‐
cific and optional features offered with the series.
It also describes features that are not necessarily
available in your vehicle, for instance, 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 ob‐
served.
Safety measures
The ignition is switched off automatically in the
following situations while the vehicle is stationary
and the engine is off:
▷ When locking the vehicle, even if the low
beams are switched on.
▷ Shortly before the battery is discharged com‐
pletely, so that the engine can still be started.
Start/Stop button
▷ When opening or closing the driver door, if
the driver's safety belt is unbuckled and the
low beams are switched off.
Concept
▷ While the driver's safety belt is unbuckled
with driver's door open and low beams off.
Pressing the Start/Stop button
switches the ignition on or off and
starts the engine.
▷ When the front doors are opened if there is
no other person sitting in the front seats.
Steptronic transmission: the en‐
gine starts with the brake pedal
pressed when you press the Start/Stop button.
The low beams switch to parking lights after
some minutes of no use.
Steptronic transmission with a tap-operated se‐
off the ignition, the selector lever position P is
engaged automatically if the selector lever posi‐
tion R, D or M/S is engaged.
Ignition on
Steptronic transmission: press the Start/Stop
button, but do not press on the brake pedal at
the same time.
All vehicle systems are ready for operation.
Radio-ready state
General information
Most of the indicator/warning lights in the instru‐
ment cluster light up for a varied length of time.
To save battery power when the engine is off,
switch off the ignition and any unnecessary elec‐
tronic systems/power consumers.
In the radio-ready state, certain power consum‐
ers remain ready for operation.
Activating
With the engine running, press the Start/Stop
button.
Ignition off
Steptronic transmission: shift to selector lever
position P, press the Start/Stop button again
without stepping on the brake.
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If the engine is not running and the ignition is
switched on: the system automatically activates
radio-ready state when the door is opened if the
lights are switched off or the daytime running
lights are switched on.
Warning
An unsecured vehicle can begin to move and
possibly roll away. There is a risk of accident.
Before exiting, secure the vehicle against roll‐
ing.
Radio-ready state remains active if, for instance
the ignition is automatically switched off for the
following reasons:
In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured
against rolling away, follow the following:
▷ Opening or closing the driver's door.
▷ Unfastening of the driver's safety belt.
▷ Set the parking brake.
▷ On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,
turn the front wheels in the direction of the
curb.
▷ When automatically switching from low
beams to parking lights.
▷ On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,
also secure the vehicle, for instance with a
wheel chock.
Switching off automatically
The radio-ready state is switched off automati‐
cally in the following situations:
▷ If the driver's or front passenger door is
opened when exiting the vehicle, with the en‐
gine switched off manually.
NOTICE
In the case of repeated starting attempts or re‐
peated starting in quick succession, the fuel is
not burned or is inadequately burned. The cata‐
lytic converter can overheat. There is a risk of
damage to property. Avoid repeated starting in
quick succession.
▷ If the ignition is switched off manually with
the Start/Stop button.
▷ After approx. 8 minutes.
▷ When the vehicle is locked using the central
locking system.
▷ Shortly before the battery is discharged com‐
pletely, so that the engine can still be started.
Gasoline engine
Depending on the motorization, the full drive
power may not be available for approximately
30 seconds after starting the engine. In this case,
the vehicle will not accelerate as usual.
Starting the engine
Safety information
DANGER
Steptronic transmission
Starting the engine
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or ventilation is in‐
sufficient, harmful exhaust gases can enter into
the vehicle. The exhaust gases contain pollu‐
tants which are colorless and odorless. In en‐
closed areas, exhaust gases can also accumu‐
late outside of the vehicle. There is danger to
life. Keep the exhaust pipe free and ensure suf‐
ficient ventilation.
1. Depress the brake pedal.
2. Press the Start/Stop button.
The ignition is activated automatically for a brief
time and is stopped as soon as the engine starts.
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Steptronic transmission
Switching off the engine
1. When the vehicle is stationary, apply the
parking brake.
Engine stop
Safety information
Warning
2. Engage selector lever position P.
3. Press the Start/Stop button.
The engine is switched off.
Unattended children or animals in the vehicle
can cause the vehicle to move and endanger
themselves and traffic, for instance due to the
following actions:
The radio-ready state is switched on.
▷ Pressing the Start/Stop button.
▷ Releasing the parking brake.
Auto Start/Stop function
▷ Opening and closing the doors or win‐
dows.
Concept
▷ Engaging selector lever position N.
▷ Using vehicle equipment.
The Auto Start/Stop function helps save fuel.
The system switches off the engine during a
stop, for instance in traffic congestion or at traffic
lights. The ignition remains switched on. The en‐
gine starts automatically for driving off.
There is a risk of accidents or injuries. Do not
leave children or animals unattended in the ve‐
hicle. Take the vehicle key with you when exit‐
ing and lock the vehicle.
General information
After each engine start using the Start/Stop but‐
ton, the Auto Start/Stop function is ready.
Warning
An unsecured vehicle can begin to move and
possibly roll away. There is a risk of accident.
Before exiting, secure the vehicle against roll‐
ing.
The function is activated from speeds of approx.
3 mph/5 km/h.
Depending on the selected driving mode, the
system is automatically activated or deactivated.
In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured
against rolling away, follow the following:
After every start of the engine using the Start/
Stop button, the Auto Start/Stop function is in
the last selected state. When the Auto Start/Stop
function is active, it is available when the vehicle
is traveling faster than about 3 mph/5 km/h.
▷ Set the parking brake.
▷ On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,
turn the front wheels in the direction of the
curb.
Engine stop
▷ On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,
also secure the vehicle, for instance with a
wheel chock.
Functional requirements
The engine is switched off automatically during a
stop under the following conditions:
Steptronic transmission:
▷ The selector lever is in selector lever position
D.
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▷ The brake pedal remains depressed while the
vehicle is stopped.
▷ The external temperature is high and auto‐
matic climate control is running.
▷ The driver's safety belt is buckled or the driv‐
er's door is closed.
▷ The car's interior has not yet been heated or
cooled to the required level.
In order to be able to release the brake pedal, en‐
gage the selector lever in position P. The engine
remains off.
▷ The engine is not yet at operating tempera‐
ture.
▷ The wheels are at a sharp angle or the steer‐
ing wheel is being turned.
To continue driving depress the brake pedal.
When a gear is engaged, the engine starts auto‐
matically.
▷ After driving in reverse.
▷ Where there is a risk of window condensation
when the automatic climate control is
switched on.
The air flow from the air conditioner is reduced
when the engine is switched off.
▷ Vehicle battery is heavily discharged.
▷ At higher elevations.
Steptronic transmission: manual
engine stop
Depending on the vehicle equipment and coun‐
try version, the engine can be switched off man‐
ually, if the engine was not switched off automat‐
ically when the vehicle stopped:
▷ The hood is unlocked.
▷ HDC Hill Descent Control is activated.
▷ The parking assistant is activated.
▷ Stop-and-go traffic.
▷ Press the brake pedal forcefully again from
the current pedal position.
▷ Selector lever in selector lever position N,
M/S or R.
▷ Engage selector lever position P.
▷ Use of fuel with high ethanol content.
If all functional preconditions are fulfilled, the en‐
gine switches off.
Starting the engine
The engine starts automatically under the follow‐
ing conditions:
Displays in the instrument cluster
The READY display in the tach‐
ometer signals that the Auto
Start/Stop function is ready to
start the engine automatically.
▷ Steptronic transmission: by releasing the
brake pedal.
After the engine starts, accelerate as usual.
Safety mode
The display indicates that the
conditions for an automatic en‐
gine stop have not been met.
After the engine switches off automatically, it will
not start again automatically if any one of the fol‐
lowing conditions are met:
▷ The driver's safety belt is unbuckled and the
driver's door is open.
Functional limitations
▷ The hood was unlocked.
The engine is not switched off automatically in
situations such as the following:
Some indicator lights light up for a varied length
of time.
▷ In case of a steep downhill grade.
▷ External temperature too low.
The engine can only be started via the Start/Stop
button.
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Functional limitations
Activating/deactivating the
system manually
Even if driving off was not intended, the deacti‐
vated engine starts up automatically in the fol‐
lowing situations:
Using the button
▷ Excessive warming of the car's interior when
the air conditioning is switched on.
▷ When the steering wheel is turned.
▷ Steptronic transmission: change from selec‐
tor lever position D to R, N or M/S.
▷ Steptronic transmission: change from selec‐
tor lever position P to N, D, R or M/S.
▷ Where there is a risk of window condensation
when the automatic climate control is
switched on.
Press the button.
▷ Vehicle battery is heavily discharged.
▷ LED comes on: auto Start/Stop function is
deactivated.
▷ Excessive cooling of the car's interior when
the heating is switched on.
The engine is started during an automatic en‐
gine stop.
Intelligent Auto Start/Stop
function
The engine can only be stopped or started
via the Start/Stop button.
Depending on the vehicle equipment and coun‐
try-specific version, the vehicle features a variety
of sensors for assessing the traffic situation. The
Intelligent Auto Start/Stop function uses this in‐
formation to adapt to various traffic situations in a
proactive manner.
▷ LED goes out: auto Start/Stop function is ac‐
tivated.
Switching off the vehicle during an
automatic engine stop
During an automatic engine stop, the vehicle can
be switched off permanently, for instance when
leaving it.
For instance, this applies to the following situa‐
tions:
▷ If a situation is detected in which the stopping
time is expected to be very short, the engine
is not switched off automatically. A message
appears on the Control Display, depending
on the situation.
Steptronic transmission:
1. Engage selector lever position P.
2. Press the Start/Stop button. The ignition is
switched off. The Auto Start/Stop function is
deactivated.
▷ If a situation is detected in which the vehicle
needs to drive off immediately, the engine is
started automatically.
3. Set the parking brake.
Engine start as usual via Start/Stop button.
The function may be restricted if the navigation
data is invalid, outdated or not available, for ex‐
ample.
Automatic deactivation
In certain situations, the Auto Start/Stop function
is deactivated automatically for safety reasons,
for instance if no driver is detected.
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▷ Engaging selector lever position N.
▷ Using vehicle equipment.
Malfunction
The Auto Start/Stop function no longer switches
off the engine automatically. A Check Control
message is displayed. It is possible to continue
driving. Have the system checked by a dealer's
service center or another qualified service center
or repair shop.
There is a risk of accidents or injuries. Do not
leave children or animals unattended in the ve‐
hicle. Take the vehicle key with you when exit‐
ing and lock the vehicle.
Overview
Parking brake
Concept
The parking brake is used to prevent the vehicle
from rolling when it is parked.
Safety information
Warning
Parking brake
An unsecured vehicle can begin to move and
possibly roll away. There is a risk of accident.
Before exiting, secure the vehicle against roll‐
ing.
Setting
In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured
against rolling away, follow the following:
With a stationary vehicle
Pull the switch.
▷ Set the parking brake.
The LED lights up.
▷ On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,
turn the front wheels in the direction of the
curb.
The indicator light lights up red. The
parking brake is set.
▷ On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,
also secure the vehicle, for instance with a
wheel chock.
Depending on the stopping situation, the parking
brake is engaged automatically.
Steptronic transmission: in some parking situa‐
tions, the parking brake is automatically engaged,
when selector lever position P is engaged. In
these cases, the parking brake is released auto‐
matically when you leave the selector lever posi‐
tion P.
Warning
Unattended children or animals in the vehicle
can cause the vehicle to move and endanger
themselves and traffic, for instance due to the
following actions:
While driving
To use as emergency brake while driving:
▷ Pressing the Start/Stop button.
▷ Releasing the parking brake.
Pull the switch and hold it. The vehicle brakes
hard while the switch is being pulled.
▷ Opening and closing the doors or win‐
dows.
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The indicator light lights up red, a signal
sounds and the brake lights light up.
2.
Press the switch while stepping on the
brake pedal or selector lever position P is set.
A Check Control message is displayed.
It may take several seconds for the brake to be
reactivated. Some mechanical sounds associ‐
ated with this process are normal.
If the vehicle is decelerated to a complete stop,
the parking brake is engaged.
The indicator light in the instrument clus‐
ter goes out as soon as the parking brake
is ready for operation.
Releasing
Releasing manually
1. Switch on the ignition.
Turn signal, high beams,
headlight flasher
2.
Steptronic transmission: press the
switch while the brake is pressed or selector
lever position P is set.
Turn signal
The LED and indicator light go out.
The parking brake is released.
Turn signal in exterior mirror
When driving and during operation of the turn
signals or hazard warning system, do not fold in
the exterior mirrors, so that the signal lights on
the exterior mirror are easy to see.
Automatic release in cars with
Steptronic transmission
For automatic release, step on the accelerator
pedal.
The LED and indicator light go out.
Using turn signals
The parking brake is automatically released
when you step on the accelerator under the fol‐
lowing conditions:
▷ Engine on.
▷ Drive mode engaged.
▷ Driver buckled in and doors closed.
Malfunction
If the parking brake fails or malfunctions, secure
the vehicle against rolling before exiting.
Press the lever past the resistance point.
Canada: the lever returns into its starting position
after actuation. To switch off manually, slightly
tap the lever to the resistance point.
A Check Control message is displayed.
Secure the vehicle against rolling away, for in‐
stance with a wheel chock, after existing the ve‐
hicle.
Triple turn signal activation
Lightly tap the lever up or down.
After a power failure
The turn signal flashes three times.
The function can be activated or deactivated.
Re-activating the parking brake
1. Switch on the ignition.
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Via iDrive:
Wiper system
1. "My Vehicle"
2. "Vehicle settings"
3. "Lighting"
General information
Do not use the wipers if the windshield is dry, as
this may damage the wiper blades or cause them
to become worn more quickly.
4. "Exterior lighting"
5. "One-touch turn signal"
6. Select the desired setting.
Safety information
Settings are stored for the profile currently used.
Warning
Signaling briefly
If the wipers start moving in the folded away
state, body parts can be jammed or damage
may occur to parts of the vehicle. There is a risk
of injury or risk of damage to property. Make
sure that the vehicle is switched off when the
wipers are in the folded away state and the wip‐
ers are folded in when switching on.
Press the lever to the resistance point and hold it
there for as long as you want the turn signal to
flash.
Malfunction
Unusually rapid flashing of the indicator light indi‐
cates that a turn signal bulb has failed.
High beams, headlight flasher
Push the lever forward or pull it backward.
NOTICE
If the wipers are frozen to the windshield, the
wiper blades can be torn off and the wiper mo‐
tor can overheat when switching on. There is a
risk of damage to property. Defrost the wind‐
shield prior to switching the wipers on.
Switching on
▷ High beams on, arrow 1.
The high beams light up when the low beams
are switched on.
▷ High beams off/headlight flasher, arrow 2.
Press the lever up until the desired position is
reached.
▷ Resting position of the wipers, position 0.
▷ Intermittent operation or rain sensor, posi‐
tion 1.
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▷ Normal wiper speed, position 2.
▷ Fast wiper speed, position 3.
Safety information
When travel is interrupted with the wiper system
switched on: when travel continues, the wipers
resume at their previous speed.
NOTICE
If the rain sensor is activated, the wipers can
accidentally start moving in vehicle washes.
There is a risk of damage to property. Deacti‐
vate the rain sensor in vehicle washes.
Switching off and brief wipe
Activating
Press the lever down.
▷ Switching off: press the lever down until it
reaches its standard position.
Press the lever up once from its standard posi‐
tion, arrow 1.
▷ Brief wipe: press the lever down from the
standard position.
Wiping is started.
The lever automatically returns to its initial
position when released.
The LED in the wiper lever is illuminated.
In frosty conditions, wiper operation may not
start.
Interval mode or rain sensor
Concept
Deactivating
The rain sensor automatically controls the time
between wipes depending on the intensity of the
rainfall.
Press the lever back into the standard position.
Setting the frequency or sensitivity
of the rain sensor
General information
The sensor is located on the windshield, directly
in front of the interior mirror. Without the rain
sensor, the frequency of the wiper operation is
preset.
Turn the thumbwheel to adjust the frequency or
sensitivity of the rain sensor.
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Up: short interval or high sensitivity of the rain
sensor.
Windshield washer nozzles
The washer jets are automatically heated when‐
ever the ignition is switched on.
Down: long interval or low sensitivity of the rain
sensor.
Rear window wiper
Overview
Windshield and headlight
washer system
Safety information
Warning
The washer fluid can freeze onto the window at
low temperatures and obstruct the view. There
is a risk of accident. Only use the washer sys‐
tems, if the washer fluid cannot freeze. Use
washer fluid with antifreeze, if needed.
Switching on
Turn the outer switch upward.
NOTICE
▷ Resting position of the wiper, position 0.
When the washer fluid reservoir is empty, the
wash pump cannot work as intended. There is
a risk of damage to property. Do not use the
washer system when the washer fluid reservoir
is empty.
▷ Intermittent mode, arrow 1. When reverse
gear is engaged, the system switches to con‐
tinuous operation.
Clean the rear window
Turn the outer switch in the desired direction.
Cleaning the windshield
▷ In resting position: turn the switch downward,
arrow 3. The switch automatically returns to
its idle position when released.
▷ In intermittent mode: turn the switch further,
arrow 2. The switch automatically returns to
its interval position when released.
The function is deactivated if the washer fluid
reservoir level is low.
Fold-away position of the wipers
Concept
The fold-away position enables the wipers to be
folded away from the windshield.
Pull the lever.
The system sprays washer fluid on the wind‐
shield and activates the wipers briefly.
In addition, the headlights are cleaned at regular
intervals when the vehicle's lights are switched
on.
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3. Fold the wipers all the way away from the
windshield.
General information
Important, for instance when changing the wiper
blades or for folding away under frosty condi‐
tions.
Safety information
Warning
If the wipers start moving in the folded away
state, body parts can be jammed or damage
may occur to parts of the vehicle. There is a risk
of injury or risk of damage to property. Make
sure that the vehicle is switched off when the
wipers are in the folded away state and the wip‐
ers are folded in when switching on.
Folding down the wipers
After the wipers are folded back down, the wiper
system must be reactivated.
1. Fold the wipers back down onto the wind‐
shield.
NOTICE
2. Switch on the ignition.
If the wipers are frozen to the windshield, the
wiper blades can be torn off and the wiper mo‐
tor can overheat when switching on. There is a
risk of damage to property. Defrost the wind‐
shield prior to switching the wipers on.
3. Push wiper lever down. Wipers return to their
resting position and are ready again for oper‐
ation.
Canada: wiper system
Folding away the wipers
1. Switch the ignition on and off again.
General information
Do not use the wipers if the windshield is dry, as
this may damage the wiper blades or cause them
to become worn more quickly.
2. Press and hold the wiper lever down, until the
wipers stop in a close to vertical position.
Safety information
Warning
If the wipers start moving in the folded away
state, body parts can be jammed or damage
may occur to parts of the vehicle. There is a risk
of injury or risk of damage to property. Make
sure that the vehicle is switched off when the
wipers are in the folded away state and the wip‐
ers are folded in when switching on.
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NOTICE
The lever automatically returns to its initial posi‐
tion when released.
If the wipers are frozen to the windshield, the
wiper blades can be torn off and the wiper mo‐
tor can overheat when switching on. There is a
risk of damage to property. Defrost the wind‐
shield prior to switching the wipers on.
Interval mode or rain sensor
Concept
The rain sensor automatically controls the time
between wipes depending on the intensity of the
rainfall.
Switching on
General information
The sensor is located on the windshield, directly
in front of the interior mirror. Without the rain
sensor, the frequency of the wiper operation is
preset.
Safety information
NOTICE
Tap up the lever or press it past the resistance
point.
If the rain sensor is activated, the wipers can
accidentally start moving in vehicle washes.
There is a risk of damage to property. Deacti‐
vate the rain sensor in vehicle washes.
▷ Normal wiper speed: tap up once.
▷ Fast wiper speed: tap up twice or tap once
beyond the resistance point.
The lever automatically returns to its initial posi‐
tion when released.
Activating/deactivating
Switching off and brief wipe
Press the button on the wiper lever.
Wiping is started.
Press the lever down.
If the vehicle is equipped with a rain sensor: the
LED in the wiper lever is illuminated.
▷ To switch off from fast wiper speed: press
down twice.
In frosty conditions, wiper operation may not
start.
▷ To switch off from normal wiper speed: press
down once.
If a journey is interrupted with the rain sensor
switched on: if the trip is resumed within approx.
▷ Brief wipe: press down once.
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15 minutes, the rain sensor is automatically acti‐
vated again.
Cleaning the windshield
Setting the frequency or sensitivity
of the rain sensor
Pull the lever.
The system sprays washer fluid on the wind‐
shield and activates the wipers briefly.
In addition, the headlights are cleaned at regular
intervals when the vehicle's lights are switched
on.
Turn the thumbwheel to adjust the frequency or
sensitivity of the rain sensor.
Up: short interval or high sensitivity of the rain
sensor.
Windshield washer nozzles
The washer jets are automatically heated when‐
ever the ignition is switched on.
Down: long interval or low sensitivity of the rain
sensor.
Rear window wiper
Overview
Windshield and headlight
washer system
Safety information
Warning
The washer fluid can freeze onto the window at
low temperatures and obstruct the view. There
is a risk of accident. Only use the washer sys‐
tems, if the washer fluid cannot freeze. Use
washer fluid with antifreeze, if needed.
Switching on
Turn the outer switch upward.
NOTICE
When the washer fluid reservoir is empty, the
wash pump cannot work as intended. There is
a risk of damage to property. Do not use the
washer system when the washer fluid reservoir
is empty.
▷ Resting position of the wiper, position 0.
▷ Intermittent mode, arrow 1. When reverse
gear is engaged, the system switches to con‐
tinuous operation.
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Clean the rear window
Folding away the wipers
Turn the outer switch in the desired direction.
1. Switch the ignition on and off again.
▷ In resting position: turn the switch downward,
arrow 3. The switch automatically returns to
its idle position when released.
2. In frosty conditions, make sure that the
blades are not frozen to the windshield.
3. Press the wiper lever up past the point of re‐
sistance and hold it for approx. 3 seconds,
until the wipers remain in a nearly vertical po‐
sition.
▷ In intermittent mode: turn the switch further,
arrow 2. The switch automatically returns to
its interval position when released.
The function is deactivated if the washer fluid
reservoir level is low.
4. Fold the wipers all the way away from the
windshield.
Fold-away position of the wipers
Concept
The fold-away position enables the wipers to be
folded away from the windshield.
General information
Important, for instance when changing the wiper
blades or for folding away under frosty condi‐
tions.
Folding down the wipers
After the wipers are folded back down, the wiper
system must be reactivated.
Safety information
1. Fold the wipers back down onto the wind‐
shield.
Warning
2. Switch on the ignition.
If the wipers start moving in the folded away
state, body parts can be jammed or damage
may occur to parts of the vehicle. There is a risk
of injury or risk of damage to property. Make
sure that the vehicle is switched off when the
wipers are in the folded away state and the wip‐
ers are folded in when switching on.
3. Push wiper lever down. Wipers return to their
resting position and are ready again for oper‐
ation.
Washer fluid
General information
All washer nozzles are supplied from one reser‐
voir.
NOTICE
If the wipers are frozen to the windshield, the
wiper blades can be torn off and the wiper mo‐
tor can overheat when switching on. There is a
risk of damage to property. Defrost the wind‐
shield prior to switching the wipers on.
Use a mixture of tap water and windshield
washer concentrate. If desired, a windshield
washer concentrate containing antifreeze can be
used.
Recommended minimum fill quantity:
0.2 US gal/1 liter.
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trates or antifreeze. Follow the information and
mixing ratios provided on the containers.
Safety information
Warning
Overview
Some antifreeze agents can contain harmful
substances and are flammable. There is a risk
of fire and a risk of injury. Follow the instruc‐
tions on the containers. Keep antifreeze away
from ignition sources. Do not refill operating
materials into different bottles. Store operating
materials out of reach of children.
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 ratio limits that apply. Follow the usage
instructions on the washer fluid container.
The washer fluid reservoir is located in the en‐
gine compartment.
Use of BMW’s Windshield Washer Concentrate
or the equivalent is recommended.
Malfunction
The use of undiluted windshield washer concen‐
trate or alcohol-based antifreeze can lead to in‐
correct readings at temperatures below
+5 ℉/-15 ℃.
Warning
Washer fluid can ignite and catch fire on con‐
tact with hot engine parts. There is a risk of in‐
jury or risk of damage to property. Only add
washer fluid when the engine is cooled down.
Next, fully close the lid of the washer fluid res‐
ervoir.
Steptronic transmission
Concept
The Steptronic transmission combines the func‐
tions of an automatic transmission with the pos‐
sibility of manual shifting, if needed.
NOTICE
Silicon-containing additives in the washer fluid
for the water-repelling effect on the windows
can lead to damage to the washing system.
There is a risk of damage to property. Do not
add silicon-containing additives to the washer
fluid.
Safety information
Warning
An unsecured vehicle can begin to move and
possibly roll away. There is a risk of accident.
Before exiting, secure the vehicle against roll‐
ing.
NOTICE
Mixing different windshield washer concen‐
trates or antifreeze can damage the washing
system. There is a risk of damage to property.
Do not mix different windshield washer concen‐
In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured
against rolling away, follow the following:
▷ Set the parking brake.
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▷ On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,
turn the front wheels in the direction of the
curb.
back. The selector lever automatically returns to
the center position when released.
Selector lever position P is engaged automati‐
▷ On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,
also secure the vehicle, for instance with a
wheel chock.
Selector lever positions
Drive mode D
Selector lever position for normal vehicle opera‐
tion. All gears for forward travel are activated au‐
tomatically.
Selector lever version
General information
Depending on the vehicle equipment, a trans‐
mission with either a latching selector lever or a
tap-operated selector lever is installed.
R is reverse
Engage selector lever position R only when the
vehicle is stationary.
Transmission with a latching
selector lever
Neutral N
The vehicle may be pushed or roll without power,
for instance in vehicle washes, refer to
Parking position P
General information
Selector lever position, for instance for parking
the vehicle.
The selector lever positions P, R, N, and D are
selected by moving the selector lever into the re‐
spective selector lever position. The selector
lever engages in the selector lever positions.
The transmission blocks the drive wheels in se‐
lector lever position P.
Engage selector lever position P only when the
vehicle is stationary.
Transmission with a tap-operated
selector lever
Before exiting the vehicle, make sure that selec‐
tor lever position P is set. Otherwise, the vehicle
may begin to move.
Automatic parking position for a
transmission with a tap-operated selector
lever
Selector lever position P is engaged automati‐
cally in situations such as the following:
▷ After the engine is switched off when the ve‐
hicle is in the radio-ready state, refer to
The selector lever positions P, R, N, and D are
selected by tapping the selector lever forward or
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tion R, D or M/S is engaged.
▷ Unintentional shifting from selector lever po‐
sition P into another selector lever position.
▷ If the driver's safety belt is unbuckled, the
driver's door is opened, and the brake pedal
is not pressed while the vehicle is stationary
and selector lever position D, M/S or R is en‐
gaged.
1. To release the selector lever lock: with the
brake pedal depressed, press the button on
the front of the selector lever.
▷ After the ignition has been switched off while
selector lever position N is engaged.
Engaging selector lever
positions: with a latching
selector lever
2. Move the selector lever into the desired posi‐
tion.
General information
To prevent the vehicle from creeping after you
select a drive mode, maintain pressure on the
brake pedal until you are ready to start.
Functional requirements
The selector lever can only be taken out of se‐
lector lever position P if the ignition is on or the
engine is running.
Engaging selector lever position D,
N, R, or P
With the vehicle stationary, depress the brake
pedal before shifting out of selector lever posi‐
tion P or N; otherwise, the shift block will not be
deactivated and the shift command will not be
executed.
Engaging selector lever
positions: with a tap-operated
selector lever
General information
A selector lever lock prevents the following faulty
operation:
To prevent the vehicle from creeping after you
select a drive mode, maintain pressure on the
brake pedal until you are ready to start.
▷ Unintentional shifting into selector lever posi‐
tion P or R.
Functional requirements
Only when the brake pedal is depressed is it
possible to change from selector lever position P
to another selector lever position.
Depending on the transmission version, the en‐
gine may have to be running too.
The selection lever position P cannot be
changed until all technical requirements are met.
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Engaging selector lever position D,
N, R
Engaging selector lever position P
A selector lever lock prevents the following faulty
operation:
▷ Unintentional shifting into selector lever posi‐
tion R.
▷ Unintentional shifting from selector lever po‐
sition P into another selector lever position.
1. Fasten driver's safety belt.
2. Press and hold the button to release the se‐
lector lever lock.
Press button P.
Rolling or pushing the vehicle
General information
In some situations, the vehicle is to roll without
its own power for a short distance, for instance in
a vehicle wash, or be pushed.
Engaging selector lever position N:
with a latching selector lever
1. Switch on the ignition.
3. Push the selector lever in the desired direc‐
tion, past a resistance point, if needed. The
selector lever automatically returns to the
center position when released.
2. If necessary, release the parking brake.
3. Depress the brake pedal.
4. Touch the selector lever lock and engage se‐
lector lever position N.
5. Release brake.
The vehicle can roll.
If there is a malfunction, you may not be able to
change the selector lever position.
Manually unlock the transmission lock, if needed,
Engaging selector lever position N:
with a tap-operated selector lever
1. Start the engine while pressing on the brake
pedal.
2. If necessary, release the parking brake.
3. Depress the brake pedal.
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4. Touch the selector lever lock and engage se‐
lector lever position N.
Activating the Sport program
5. Switch the engine off.
In this way, the ignition remains switched on,
and a Check-Control message is displayed.
The vehicle can roll.
NOTICE
Selector lever position P is automatically en‐
gaged when the ignition is switched off. There
is a risk of damage to property. Do not switch
ignition off in vehicle washes.
Press the selector lever to the left from selector
lever position D.
The engaged gear is displayed in the instrument
cluster, for instance S1.
Irrespective of the ignition, the selector lever po‐
sition P is automatically engaged after approx.
15 minutes.
The sport program of the transmission is acti‐
vated.
If there is a malfunction, you may not be able to
change the selector lever position.
Ending the Sport program
Push the selector lever to the right.
D is displayed in the instrument cluster.
Electronically unlock the transmission lock, if
Kickdown
Kickdown is used to achieve maximum driving
performance.
Manual mode M/S
Concept
Step on the accelerator pedal beyond the resist‐
ance point at the full throttle position.
Manual gear-shifting is possible in manual mode.
Activating manual mode
1. Press the selector lever to the left from selec‐
tor lever position D, arrow 1.
Sport program M/S
Concept
The shifting points and shifting times in the
Sport program are designed for a sportier driving
style. The transmission, for instance shifts up
later and the shifting times are shorter.
2. Push the selector lever forward or pull it
backward, arrows 2.
Manual mode becomes active and the gear is
changed.
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The engaged gear is displayed in the instrument
cluster, for instance M1.
Shift paddles
Concept
The shift paddles on the steering wheel allow
you to shift gears quickly while keeping both
hands on the steering wheel.
Shifting
▷ To shift down: press the selector lever for‐
ward.
▷ To shift up: pull the selector lever rearwards.
General information
The transmission continues shifting automati‐
cally in certain situations, for instance when
speed limits are reached.
Shifting
The vehicle only shifts at suitable engine and
road speeds.
With a tap-operated selector lever: when M2 is
set manually while the vehicle is stationary, the
transmission will no longer shift back to M1. This
shifting behavior is retained until you engage M1
manually or exit M.
Short-term manual mode
In selector lever position D, actuating a shift pad‐
dle switches into manual mode temporarily.
Steptronic Sport transmission:
prevent automatic upshifting in M/S
manual mode
Once a particular engine speed is attained, M/S
manual mode is automatically upshifted as
needed.
After conservative driving in manual mode with‐
out acceleration or shifting via the shift paddles
for a certain amount of time, the transmission
switches back to automatic mode.
It is possible to switch into automatic mode as
follows:
The Steptronic Sport transmission does not au‐
tomatically upshift in M/S manual mode once the
maximum speed is reached, if one of the follow‐
ing conditions is met:
▷ Pull and hold right shift paddle.
▷ In addition to the briefly pulled right shift pad‐
dle, briefly pull the left shift paddle.
▷ DSC Dynamic Stability Control deactivated.
▷ Dynamic Traction Control DTC activated.
Continuous manual mode
In selector lever position S, actuating a shift pad‐
dle switches into manual mode permanently.
In addition, there is no downshifting for kick‐
down.
Shifting
With the appropriate transmission version, the
lowest possible gear can be selected by simulta‐
neously activating kickdown and operating the
left shift paddles. This is not possible by switch‐
ing briefly via the shift paddles from selector
lever position D to manual mode M/S.
Ending the manual mode
Push the selector lever to the right.
D is displayed in the instrument cluster.
▷ To shift up: briefly pull right shift paddle.
▷ To shift down: briefly pull left shift paddle.
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▷ The lowest possible gear can be selected by
pulling and holding the left shift paddle.
3. Using the screwdriver from the onboard vehi‐
cle tool kit, refer to page 261, press the yel‐
low release lever downward, arrow.
The selected gear is briefly displayed in the in‐
strument cluster, followed by the current gear.
Displays in the instrument
cluster
The selector lever position is dis‐
played, for example P.
4. Press the button on the front of the selector
lever and move the selector lever back
slightly.
Releasing the transmission lock
manually: with a latching
selector lever
If the selector lever is locked in selector lever po‐
sition P despite the ignition being switched on,
the brake pedal being depressed and the button
on the selector lever being pressed, the trans‐
mission lock can be unlocked manually:
Release the release lever.
5. Bring the selector lever into the desired posi‐
tion.
For additional information, see the chapter on
tow-starting and towing.
Releasing the transmission lock
electronically: with a tap-
operated selector lever
Before unlocking the transmission lock manually,
set the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from
rolling away.
1. Loosen the selector lever sleeve at the bot‐
tom from the center console.
General information
Electronically unlock the transmission lock to
maneuver vehicle from a danger area.
Before unlocking the transmission lock, set the
parking brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling
away.
Engaging selector lever position N
Unlocking is possible, if the starter can spin the
engine.
2. Lift the sleeve. Unplug the cable connector, if
needed.
1. Press and hold down brake pedal.
2. Press the Start/Stop button. The starter must
audibly start.
3. Press the button on the selector lever, ar‐
row 1, and press and hold the selector lever
into selector lever position N, arrow N, until
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selector lever position N is displayed in the in‐
strument cluster.
to reach the operating temperature needed for
Launch Control.
A Check Control message is displayed.
Start with launch control
While the engine is running:
1.
Press the button and select SPORT
with the Driving Dynamics Control.
TRACTION is displayed in the instrument
cluster in combination with SPORT and the
DSC OFF indicator light lights up.
2. Engage selector lever position S.
4. Release the selector lever.
3. With the left foot, forcefully press down on
the brake.
5. Release brake, as soon as the starter stops.
6. Maneuver the vehicle from the danger area
and secure it against moving on its own.
4. Press and hold down the accelerator pedal
beyond the resistance point at the full throttle
position, kickdown.
For additional information, see the chapter on
tow-starting and towing.
A flag symbol is displayed in the instrument
cluster.
Steptronic Sport transmission:
Launch Control
5. The starting engine speed adjusts. Within
3 seconds, release the brake.
Concept
Repeated use during a trip
Launch Control enables optimum acceleration
on surfaces with good traction under dry sur‐
rounding conditions.
After Launch Control has been used, the trans‐
mission must cool down for approx. 5 minutes
before Launch Control can be used again.
General information
After using Launch Control
The use of Launch Control causes premature
component wear since this function represents a
very heavy load for the vehicle.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC Dy‐
namic Stability Control again.
System limits
An experienced driver may be able to achieve
better acceleration values in DSC OFF mode.
Do not use Launch Control during the break-in,
refer to page 214, period.
To start with Launch Control, point the front
wheels straight forwards.
Functional requirements
Launch Control is available as soon as the engine
and transmission are at operating temperature.
Depending on the external temperature and driv‐
ing style, the engine and transmission require an
interrupted trip of up to 30 miles/50 km in order
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