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.  
70  
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.  
71  
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.  
72  
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.  
73  
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:  
74  
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.  
75  
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.  
76  
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.  
77  
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.  
78  
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.  
79  
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.  
80  
Driving  
Controls  
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.◀  
81  
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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Driving  
Controls  
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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