Controls -> Driving for your BMW X5 2014-2018
Controls
Driving
Driving
To save battery power when the engine is off,
switch off the ignition and any unnecessary
electronic systems/power consumers.
Vehicle features and options
This chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your vehicle, e. g., due
to the selected options or country versions.
This also applies to safety-related functions
and systems. When using these functions and
systems, the applicable country provisions
must be observed.
Safety measures
When switching off the ignition, the selector
lever position P is selected automatically if the
selector lever position D or R is selected.
The ignition is switched off automatically in the
following situations while the vehicle is station‐
ary and the engine is off:
▷
When locking the vehicle, and when the
low beams are activated.
Start/Stop button
▷
Shortly before the battery is discharged
completely, so that the engine can still be
started.
Concept
Pressing the Start/Stop button
switches the ignition on or off
and starts the engine.
▷
When opening or closing the driver door, if
the driver's safety belt is unbuckled and
the low beams are switched off.
The engine starts with the brake
pedal pressed when you press
the Start/Stop button.
▷
▷
While the driver's safety belt is unbuckled
with driver's door open and low beams off.
When the front doors are opened if there is
no other person sitting in the front seats.
Ignition on
The low beams switch to parking lights after
approx. 15 minutes of no use.
Press the Start/Stop button, and do not press
on the brake pedal at the same time.
All vehicle systems are ready for operation.
Radio ready state
Activate radio-ready state: when the engine is
running: press the Start/Stop button.
Most of the indicator and warning lights in the
instrument cluster light up for a varied length
of time.
Some electronic systems/power consumers
remain ready for operation.
To save battery power when the engine is off,
switch off the ignition and any unnecessary
electronic systems/power consumers.
The radio-ready state is switched off automati‐
cally in the following situations:
Ignition off
Press the Start/Stop button again without
stepping on the brake.
▷
▷
After approx. 8 minutes.
When the vehicle is locked using the cen‐
tral locking system.
All indicator lights in the instrument cluster go
out.
▷
Shortly before the battery is discharged
completely, so that the engine can still be
started.
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Driving
Controls
The radio-ready state remains active if, e.g.,
the ignition is automatically switched off for the
following reasons:
NOTE
In the case of repeated starting attempts
or repeated starting in quick succession, the
fuel is not burned or is inadequately burned.
The catalytic converter can overheat. There is
a risk of property damage. Avoid repeated
starting in quick succession.◀
▷
▷
▷
Opening or closing the driver's door.
Unfastening of the driver's safety belt.
When automatically switching from low
beams to parking lights.
If the engine is switched off and the ignition is
switched on, the system automatically
switches to the radio-ready state if the lights
are turned off or, if correspondingly equipped,
the daytime running lights are activated.
Diesel engine
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.
A Check Control message with yellow
indicator lamp is displayed.
Starting the engine
Safety information
Steptronic transmission
DANGER
Starting the engine
1. Depress the brake pedal.
2. Press the Start/Stop button.
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or ventila‐
tion is insufficient, harmful exhaust gases can
enter into the vehicle. The exhaust gases con‐
tain carbon monoxide, an odorless and color‐
less but highly toxic gas. In enclosed areas, ex‐
haust gases can also accumulate outside of
the vehicle. There is danger to life. Keep the
exhaust pipe free and ensure sufficient ventila‐
tion.◀
The ignition is activated automatically for a
certain time and is stopped as soon as the en‐
gine starts.
Engine stop
WARNING
Safety information
An unsecured vehicle can begin to move
and possibly roll away. There is a risk of an ac‐
cident. Before exiting, secure the vehicle
against rolling.
WARNING
Unattended children or animals can
cause the vehicle to move and endanger them‐
selves and traffic, e.g., due to the following ac‐
tions:
In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured
against rolling away, observe the following:
▷
▷
Set the parking brake.
▷
▷
▷
Pressing the Start/Stop button.
Releasing the parking brake.
On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,
turn the front wheels in the direction of the
curb.
Opening and closing the doors or win‐
dows.
▷
On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,
also secure the vehicle, e.g., with a wheel
chock.◀
▷
▷
Engaging selector lever position N.
Using vehicle equipment.
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Controls
Driving
There is a risk of accidents or injuries. Do not
leave children or animals unattended in the ve‐
hicle. Take the remote control with you when
exiting and lock the vehicle.◀
engine starts again automatically for driving
off.
General information
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.
WARNING
An unsecured vehicle can begin to move
and possibly roll away. There is a risk of an ac‐
cident. Before exiting, secure the vehicle
against rolling.
In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured
against rolling away, observe the following:
Engine stop
▷
▷
Set the parking brake.
The engine is switched off automatically dur‐
ing a stop under the following conditions:
On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,
turn the front wheels in the direction of the
curb.
Steptronic transmission:
▷
The selector lever is in selector lever posi‐
tion D.
▷
On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,
also secure the vehicle, e.g., with a wheel
chock.◀
▷
The brake pedal remains pressed while the
vehicle is stationary or the vehicle is held
by Automatic Hold.
Before driving into a vehicle wash
▷
The driver's safety belt is buckled or the
driver's door is closed.
So that the vehicle can roll into a vehicle wash,
observe instructions for going into an auto‐
matic vehicle wash, refer to page 259.
The air flow from the air conditioner is reduced
when the engine is switched off.
Steptronic transmission
Switching off the engine
1. Engage selector lever position P with the
vehicle stopped.
Displays in the instrument cluster
The display indicates that the
Auto Start/Stop function is
ready for an Automatic engine
start.
2. Press the Start/Stop button.
The engine is switched off.
The display indicates that the
conditions for an automatic en‐
gine stop have not been met.
The radio-ready state is switched on.
3. Set the parking brake.
Auto Start/Stop function
Functional limitations
Concept
The engine is not switched off automatically in
the following situations:
The Auto Start/Stop function helps save fuel.
The system switches off the engine during a
stop, e.g., in traffic congestion or at traffic
lights. The ignition remains switched on. The
▷
▷
External temperature too low.
The external temperature is high and auto‐
matic climate control is running.
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Driving
Controls
▷
▷
▷
The vehicle's interior has not yet been
heated or cooled to the required level.
Functional limitations
Even if driving off was not intended, the deacti‐
vated engine starts up automatically in the fol‐
lowing situations:
The engine is not yet at operating temper‐
ature.
The wheels are at a sharp angle or the
steering wheel is being turned.
▷
Excessive warming of the vehicle's interior
when the cooling function is switched on.
▷
▷
After driving in reverse.
▷
▷
The steering wheel is turned.
Fogging of the windows when the auto‐
matic climate control is switched on.
Steptronic transmission: change from se‐
lector lever position D to R, N or M/S.
▷
▷
▷
▷
▷
▷
▷
Vehicle battery is heavily discharged.
At higher elevations.
▷
▷
Steptronic transmission: change from se‐
lector lever position P to N, D, R or M/S.
Fogging of the windows when the auto‐
matic climate control is switched on.
The engine compartment lid is unlocked.
HDC Hill Descent Control is activated.
The parking assistant is activated.
Stop-and-go traffic.
▷
▷
Vehicle battery is heavily discharged.
Excessive cooling of the vehicle's interior
when the heating is switched on.
Selector lever in selector lever position N,
M/S or R.
Activating/deactivating the system
manually
▷
Use of fuel with high ethanol content.
Using the button
Starting the engine
The engine starts automatically under the fol‐
lowing conditions:
▷
Steptronic transmission: by releasing the
brake pedal.
When Automatic Hold is activated: press
the accelerator pedal.
After the engine starts, accelerate as usual.
Safety mode
Press button.
After the engine switches off automatically, it
will not start again automatically if any one of
the following conditions are met:
▷
▷
LED comes on: Auto Start/Stop function is
deactivated.
▷
The driver's safety belt is unbuckled and
the driver's door is open.
The engine is started during an automatic
engine stop.
▷
The hood was unlocked.
The engine can only be stopped or started
via the Start/Stop button.
Some indicator lights light up for a varied
length of time.
LED goes out: Auto Start/Stop function is
activated.
The engine can only be started via the Start/
Stop button.
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Controls
Driving
▷
▷
Set the parking brake.
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.
On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,
turn the front wheels in the direction of the
curb.
▷
On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,
also secure the vehicle, e.g., with a wheel
chock.◀
Steptronic transmission:
1. Press the Start/Stop button. The ignition is
switched off. The Auto Start/Stop function
is deactivated.
WARNING
Unattended children or animals can
cause the vehicle to move and endanger them‐
selves and traffic, e.g., due to the following ac‐
tions:
Selector lever position P is engaged auto‐
matically.
2. Set the parking brake.
▷
▷
▷
Pressing the Start/Stop button.
Releasing the parking brake.
Engine start as usual via Start/Stop button.
Automatic deactivation
Opening and closing the doors or win‐
dows.
In certain situations, the Auto Start/Stop func‐
tion is deactivated automatically for safety rea‐
sons, e.g., if no driver is detected.
▷
▷
Engaging selector lever position N.
Using vehicle equipment.
There is a risk of accidents or injuries. Do not
leave children or animals unattended in the ve‐
hicle. Take the remote control with you when
exiting and lock the vehicle.◀
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.
Overview
Parking brake
Concept
The parking brake is used to prevent the vehi‐
cle from rolling when it is parked.
Safety information
Parking brake
WARNING
An unsecured vehicle can begin to move
and possibly roll away. There is a risk of an ac‐
cident. Before exiting, secure the vehicle
against rolling.
Setting
Pull the switch.
The LED lights up.
In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured
against rolling away, observe the following:
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Driving
Controls
The indicator lamp lights up red. The
parking brake is set.
The vehicle is automatically held in place when
it is stationary.
On inclines, the system prevents the vehicle
from rolling backward when driving off.
While driving
To use as emergency brake while driving:
Overview
Pull the switch and hold it. The vehicle brakes
hard while the switch is being pulled.
The indicator lamp lights up red, a sig‐
nal sounds and the brake lights light
up.
A Check Control message is displayed.
If the vehicle is slowed down to a speed of ap‐
prox. 2 mph/3 km/h the parking brake is set.
Automatic Hold
Releasing
With the ignition switched on:
Safety information
Steptronic transmission: press the
switch while the brake is pressed or se‐
lector lever position P is set.
WARNING
An unsecured vehicle can begin to move
and possibly roll away. There is a risk of an ac‐
cident. Before exiting, secure the vehicle
against rolling.
The LED and indicator lamp go out.
The parking brake is released.
In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured
against rolling away, observe the following:
Automatic release in cars with
Steptronic transmission
▷
▷
Set the parking brake.
For automatic release, step on the accelerator
pedal.
On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,
turn the front wheels in the direction of the
curb.
The LED and indicator lamp go out.
The parking brake is automatically released
when you step on the accelerator under the
following conditions:
▷
On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,
also secure the vehicle, e.g., with a wheel
chock.◀
▷
▷
▷
Engine on.
Under the following conditions, Automatic
Hold is automatically deactivated and the park‐
ing brake is set:
Drive mode engaged.
Driver buckled in and doors closed.
▷
▷
The engine is switched off.
Automatic Hold
Concept
A door is opened and driver's safety belt is
unbuckled while the vehicle is stationary.
▷
The moving vehicle is brought to a stand‐
still using the parking brake.
This system assists the driver by automatically
setting and releasing the brake, such as when
moving in stop-and-go traffic.
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Controls
Driving
The indicator lamp switches from
green to red and the letters AUTO H go
out.
Automatic Hold prior to entering the vehicle
wash.◀
Parking
Activating
The parking brake is automatically set if the
engine is switched off while the vehicle is be‐
ing held by Automatic Hold.
This function can be activated when the driv‐
er's door is closed, the safety belt is fastened
and the engine is running.
The indicator lamp changes from green
to red.
Press button.
The parking brake is not set if the en‐
gine is switched off while the vehicle is coast‐
ing to a halt. Automatic Hold is deactivated.
The LED and the letters AUTO H light
up.
The indicator lamp lights up.
Automatic Hold is activated.
Automatic Hold remains activated during the
engine stop brought about by the Auto Start/
Stop function.
Deactivating
WARNING
Press button again.
Unattended children or animals can
cause the vehicle to move and endanger them‐
selves and traffic, e.g., due to the following ac‐
tions:
The LED and the letters AUTO H go
out.
Automatic Hold is deactivated.
▷
▷
▷
Pressing the Start/Stop button.
Releasing the parking brake.
If the vehicle is being held by Automatic Hold,
press on the brake pedal to deactivate it.
Opening and closing the doors or win‐
dows.
When the parking brake is set manually, Auto‐
matic Hold is deactivated automatically.
▷
▷
Engaging selector lever position N.
Using vehicle equipment.
Driving
Automatic Hold is activated: the vehicle is au‐
tomatically secured against rolling after brak‐
ing to a standstill.
There is a risk of accidents or injuries. Do not
leave children or animals unattended in the ve‐
hicle. Take the remote control with you when
exiting and lock the vehicle.◀
The indicator lamp lights up green.
Step on the accelerator pedal to drive
off.
Malfunction
In the event of a failure or malfunction of the
parking brake, secure the vehicle against roll‐
ing using a wheel chock, e.g., when leaving it.
The brake is released automatically.
The indicator lamp goes out.
NOTE
After a power failure
If the vehicle is stationary, Automatic
Hold engages the parking brake. It prevents
the vehicle from rolling in a vehicle wash.
There is a risk of property damage. Deactivate
Putting the parking brake into
operation
1. Switch on the ignition.
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Driving
Controls
The function can be activated or deactivated.
On the Control Display:
2.
Press the switch while stepping on
the brake pedal or selector lever position P
is set.
1. "Settings"
It may take several seconds for the brake to be
put into operation. Any sounds associated with
this are normal.
2. "Lighting"
3. "Triple turn signal"
Settings are stored for the profile currently
used.
The indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out as soon as the parking
brake is ready for operation.
Signaling briefly
Press the lever to the resistance point and hold
it there for as long as you want the turn signal
to flash.
Turn signal, high beams,
headlight flasher
Malfunction
Unusually rapid flashing of the indicator lamp
indicates that a turn signal bulb has failed.
Turn signal
Turn signal in exterior mirror
High beams, headlight flasher
Push the lever forward or pull it backward.
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.
Using turn signals
▷
▷
High beams, arrow 1.
High beams off/headlight flasher, arrow 2.
Press the lever beyond the resistance point.
Washer/wiper system
The lever returns into its starting position after
actuation.
General information
To switch off manually, slightly tap the lever to
the resistance point.
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.
Triple turn signal activation
Lightly tap the lever up or down.
The turn signal flashes three times.
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Controls
Driving
Safety information
Switching off and brief wipe
WARNING
If the wipers start moving in the folded
away state, body parts can be jammed or dam‐
age may occur to parts of the vehicle. There is
a risk of injury or risk of property damage.
Make sure that the vehicle is switched off
when the wipers are in the folded away state
and the wipers are folded in when switching
on.◀
Press the lever down.
NOTE
▷
▷
▷
To switch off from fast wiper speed: press
down twice.
If the wipers are frozen to the windshield,
the wiper blades can be torn off and the wiper
motor can overheat when switching on. There
is a risk of property damage. Defrost the wind‐
shield prior to switching the wipers on.◀
To switch off from normal wiper speed:
press down once.
Single wipe: press down once.
The lever automatically returns to its initial po‐
sition when released.
Switching on
Interval mode or rain sensor
Concept
The rain sensor automatically controls the time
between wipes depending on the intensity of
the rainfall.
General information
The sensor is located on the windshield, di‐
rectly in front of the interior mirror. Without the
rain sensor, the frequency of the wiper opera‐
tion is preset.
Tap the lever up or press it beyond the resist‐
ance point.
▷
Normal wiper speed: tap up once.
The wipers switch to intermittent operation
when the vehicle is stationary.
Safety information
▷
Fast wiper speed: tap up twice or tap once
beyond the resistance point.
NOTE
If the rain sensor is activated, the wipers
can accidentally start moving in vehicle
washes. There is a risk of property damage.
Deactivate the rain sensor in vehicle washes.◀
Wipers change to normal speed when ve‐
hicle comes to standstill.
The lever automatically returns to its initial po‐
sition when released.
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Driving
Controls
Activating/deactivating
Windshield and headlamp washer
system
Safety information
WARNING
The washer fluid can freeze onto the win‐
dow at low temperatures and obstruct the
view. There is a risk of an accident. Only use
the washer systems, if the washer fluid cannot
freeze. Use antifreeze, if needed.◀
Press button on the wiper lever.
Wiping is started.
NOTE
When the washer fluid reservoir is empty,
the wash pump cannot work as intended.
There is a risk of property damage. Do not use
the washer system when the washer fluid res‐
ervoir is empty.◀
If the vehicle is equipped with a rain sensor:
LED in wiper lever lights up.
If wipers are frozen to windshield, wiper opera‐
tion is deactivated.
During trip interruption with the rain sensor
switched on: if the trip is resumed within ap‐
prox. 15 minutes, the rain sensor is automati‐
cally activated again.
Cleaning
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 regu‐
lar intervals when the vehicle's lights are acti‐
vated.
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 windshield washer nozzles are automati‐
cally heated while the ignition is switched on.
Down: long interval or low sensitivity of the rain
sensor.
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Controls
Driving
when the wipers are in the folded away state
and the wipers are folded in when switching
on.◀
Rear window wiper
Switching on the rear window wiper
Folding away the wipers
1. Switch the ignition on and off again.
2. With frosty conditions, make sure that the
blades are not frozen to the windshield.
3. Press the wiper lever up beyond the point
of resistance and hold it for approx. 3 sec‐
onds, until the wipers remain in a nearly
vertical position
Turn the switch from idle position 0 upward,
arrow 1: interval mode. When reverse gear is
engaged, the system switches to continuous
operation.
4. Lift the wiper all the way off of the wind‐
shield.
Clean the rear window
In interval mode: turn the switch further, ar‐
row 2. The switch automatically returns to its
interval position when released.
In idle position: turn switch downward, arrow 3.
The switch automatically returns to its idle po‐
sition when released.
Folding down the wipers
After the wipers are folded back down, the
wiper system must be reactivated.
Fold-away position of the wipers
Concept
The wipers can be folded away from the wind‐
shield in the fold-away position.
1. Switch on the ignition.
2. Push wiper lever down. Wipers return to
their resting position and are ready again
for operation.
General information
Important, e.g., when changing the wiper
blades or when folding out under frosty condi‐
tions.
Washer fluid
General information
Safety information
All washer nozzles are supplied from one res‐
ervoir.
WARNING
If the wipers start moving in the folded
away state, body parts can be jammed or dam‐
age may occur to parts of the vehicle. There is
a risk of injury or risk of property damage.
Make sure that the vehicle is switched off
Use a mixture of tap water, windshield washer
concentrate, and possibly antifreeze for the
windshield washer system.
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Recommended minimum fill quantity:
0.2 US gal/1 liter.
Overview
Safety information
WARNING
Some antifreeze agents can contain
harmful substances and are flammable. There
is a risk of fire and a risk of injury. Observe the
instructions on the containers. Keep antifreeze
away from ignition sources. Do not refill oper‐
ating materials into different bottles. Store op‐
erating materials out of reach of children.
The washer fluid reservoir is located in the en‐
gine compartment.
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 con‐
tainer.
Malfunction
The use of undiluted windshield washer con‐
centrate or alcohol-based antifreeze can lead
to incorrect readings at temperatures below
+ 5 ℉/- 15 ℃.
Use of BMW’s Windshield Washer Concen‐
trate or the equivalent is recommended.◀
Steptronic transmission
WARNING
Washer fluid can ignite and catch fire on
contact with hot engine parts. There is a risk of
injury or risk of property damage. Only add
washer fluid when the engine is cooled down.
Next, fully close the lid of the washer fluid res‐
ervoir.◀
Safety information
WARNING
An unsecured vehicle can begin to move
and possibly roll away. There is a risk of an ac‐
cident. Before exiting, secure the vehicle
against rolling.
NOTE
In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured
against rolling away, observe the following:
Silicon-containing additives in the
washer fluid for the water-repelling effect on
the windows can lead to damage to the wash‐
ing system. There is a risk of property damage.
Do not add silicon-containing additives to the
washer fluid.◀
▷
▷
Set the parking brake.
On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,
turn the front wheels in the direction of the
curb.
▷
On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,
also secure the vehicle, e.g., with a wheel
chock.◀
NOTE
Mixing different windshield washer con‐
centrates or antifreeze agents can damage the
washing system. There is a risk of property
damage. Do not mix different windshield
washer concentrates or antifreeze agents. Ob‐
serve the information and mixing ratios pro‐
vided on the containers.◀
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Controls
Driving
▷
▷
It is not possible to shift out of selector
lever position P until the engine is running
and the brake is applied.
Selector lever positions
D Drive
Selector lever position for normal vehicle oper‐
ation. All gears for forward travel are activated
automatically.
With the vehicle stationary, depress the
brake pedal before shifting out of selector
lever position P or N; otherwise, the shift
block will not be deactivated and the shift
command will not be executed.
R Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
Selector lever lock
A lock prevents the inadvertent switching to
selector lever position P or R or the inadvertent
change from selector lever position P.
N is Neutral
The vehicle may roll in selector lever posi‐
tion N, e.g., in vehicle washes.
P Park
Select only when the vehicle is stationary. The
drive wheels are blocked.
Selector lever position P is engaged automati‐
cally in the following situations:
▷
After the engine is switched off when the
vehicle is in radio-ready state, refer to
page 70, or when the ignition is switched
off, refer to page 70, and when selector
lever position R or D is set.
To release the lock: press button, arrow.
Engaging selector lever position D, N,
R
▷
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
or R is engaged.
Kickdown
Kickdown is used to achieve maximum driving
performance. Step on the accelerator pedal
beyond the resistance point at the full throttle
position.
With the driver's safety belt fastened, tap the
selector lever in the desired direction, beyond
a resistance point, if needed.
Engaging selector lever positions
General information
To prevent the vehicle from creeping after you
select a gear, maintain pressure on the brake
pedal until you are ready to start.
After releasing the selector lever, it returns to
its center position.
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Example: once maximum engine speed is at‐
tained, M/S manual mode is automatically up‐
shifted as needed.
Engaging selector lever position P
Switching to manual mode
▷
To shift down: press the selector lever for‐
ward.
▷
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.
Press P button, arrow.
The selected gear is briefly displayed in the in‐
strument cluster, followed by the currently se‐
lected gear.
Sport program and manual mode
Activating the sport program
Steptronic Sport transmission:
preventing automatic upshifting in
M/S manual mode
The Steptronic Sport transmission does not
automatically upshift in M/S manual mode
once the maximum speed is reached, if one of
the following conditions is met:
▷
▷
▷
DSC deactivated.
TRACTION activated.
SPORT+ activated.
Press the selector lever to the left out of selec‐
tor lever position D.
The engaged gear is displayed in the instru‐
ment cluster, e.g., S1.
In addition, there is no downshifting for kick‐
down.
The sport program of the transmission is acti‐
vated.
With the respective transmission version, the
lowest possible gear can be selected by simul‐
taneously operating the kickdown and the left
shift paddles. This is not possible, when
switching briefly via the shift paddles from se‐
lector lever position D to manual mode M/S.
Activating the M/S manual mode
1. Press the selector lever to the left out of
selector lever position D.
2. Push the selector lever forward or pull it
backward.
Ending the sport program/manual
mode
Manual mode M/S becomes active and the
gear is changed.
Push the selector lever to the right.
D is displayed in the instrument cluster.
The engaged gear is displayed in the instru‐
ment cluster, e.g., M1.
If the situation requires, the Steptronic trans‐
mission continues to shift automatically.
83
Controls
Driving
Shift paddles
Displays in the instrument cluster
The selector lever position is dis‐
played, for example: P.
Electronic unlocking of the
transmission lock
General information
The shift paddles on the steering wheel allow
you to shift gears quickly while keeping both
hands on the steering wheel.
Electronically unlock the transmission lock to
maneuver vehicle from a danger area.
Unlocking is possible, if the starter can spin the
engine.
▷
▷
▷
To shift up: briefly pull right shift paddle.
To shift down: briefly pull left shift paddle.
Before unlocking the transmission lock, set the
parking brake to prevent the vehicle from roll‐
ing away.
With the respective transmission version,
the lowest possible gear can be selected
by pulling and holding the left shift paddle.
Engaging selector lever position N
1. Press and hold down brake pedal.
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.
2. Press the Start/Stop button. The starter
must audibly start.
The selected gear is briefly displayed in the in‐
strument cluster, followed by the current gear.
3. Press the button on the selector lever, see
arrow 1, and press and hold the selector
lever into selector lever position N, see ar‐
row N, until selector lever position N is dis‐
played in the instrument cluster.
If the shift paddles on the steering wheel are
used to shift gears in automatic mode, the
transmission switches to manual mode tempo‐
rarily in selector lever position D and perma‐
nently in selector lever position S.
A corresponding Check Control message
is displayed.
In selector lever position D, after conservative
driving for a certain amount of time in manual
mode or if there has been no acceleration or
shifting of the shift paddles within a certain
amount of time, the transmission switches
back to automatic mode.
If the selector lever is still in selector lever po‐
sition D, it is possible to switch into automatic
mode with some transmission versions:
▷
Pull and hold right shift paddle.
Or
4. Release the selector lever.
▷
In addition to the briefly pulled right shift
paddle, briefly pull the left shift paddle.
84
Driving
Controls
5. Release brake, as soon as the starter
stops.
3. With the left foot, forcefully press down on
the brake.
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 chapter Tow-
starting and towing.
A flag symbol is displayed in the instru‐
ment cluster.
Steptronic Sport transmission:
Launch Control
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.
Concept
Launch Control enables optimum acceleration
on surfaces with good traction.
Launch Control adjusts to the surrounding
conditions, e.g., wet pavement, when used
again.
General information
The use of Launch Control causes premature
component wear since this function represents
a very heavy load for the vehicle.
Do not use Launch Control during the break-in,
refer to page 194, period.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC
again as soon as possible.
An experienced driver may be able to achieve
better acceleration values in DSC OFF mode.
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 Sport+ with
the Driving Dynamics Control.
TRACTION is displayed in the instrument
cluster and the indicator lamp for DSC OFF
lights up.
2. Engage selector lever position S.
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