2019-2024 BMW 1 Series 4 Door CONTROLS -> Driving User Manual
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CONTROLS -> Driving for Your BMW 1 Series 4 Door Third Generation (2019-2024)

Driving  
CONTROLS  
Driving  
Vehicle equipment  
Drive-ready state  
Safety notes  
DANGER  
This chapter describes all standard, country-spe‐  
cific and optional equipment available for the  
model series. It may therefore describe equip‐  
ment and functions which are not installed in  
your vehicle, for example on account of the spe‐  
cial equipment selected or the country specifica‐  
tion. This also applies to safety-relevant func‐  
tions and systems. Please comply with the  
relevant laws and regulations when using the  
corresponding functions and systems.  
A blocked exhaust pipe or inadequate ventila‐  
tion can allow harmful exhaust fumes to enter  
the vehicle. The exhaust fumes contain pollu‐  
tants which are colourless and odourless. In en‐  
closed spaces, exhaust fumes can also build up  
outside the vehicle. There is a risk of death.  
Keep the exhaust pipe clear and ensure suffi‐  
cient ventilation.  
Start/Stop button  
Principle  
WARNING  
An unsecured vehicle can start moving and roll‐  
ing away. There is a risk of accident. Before  
leaving the vehicle, secure it to prevent it from  
rolling away.  
Drive-ready state, see page 41, is  
switched on and off by pressing  
the Start/Stop button.  
Steptronic transmission: drive-  
ready state is switched on by  
pressing the Start/Stop button while the brake  
pedal is depressed.  
Observe the following to ensure that the vehi‐  
cle is secured against rolling away:  
▷ Apply the parking brake.  
Manual transmission: the drive-ready state is  
switched on if the brake pedal is depressed  
when the Start/Stop button is pressed.  
▷ Turn the front wheels towards the kerb on  
upward or downward gradients.  
▷ Additionally secure the vehicle on upward  
or downward gradients, for example with a  
chock.  
Pressing the Start/Stop button again switches  
drive-ready state off again and standby state, see  
page 41, is switched on.  
NOTE  
Driving off  
Repeated attempts to start the engine or start‐  
ing it several times in quick succession can  
cause the starter to overheat. Fuel will also be  
unburned or insufficiently burned, which could  
cause the catalytic converter to overheat.  
There is a risk of material damage. Avoid re‐  
peatedly starting in quick succession.  
1. Switch on drive-ready state.  
2. Apply the drive position.  
3. Releasing the parking brake.  
4. Drive off.  
122  
 
Driving  
CONTROLS  
Switching on drive-ready state  
Switching off drive-ready state  
Steptronic transmission  
1. With the vehicle at a standstill, engage selec‐  
tor lever position P.  
Steptronic transmission  
1. Depress the brake pedal.  
2. Press the start/stop button.  
2. Press the start/stop button.  
The engine is switched off.  
3. Apply the parking brake.  
The starting process is activated automatically  
for a short time and stops as soon as the engine  
starts.  
Most of the indicator and warning lamps in the  
instrument cluster are illuminated for different  
lengths of time.  
Manual transmission  
1. Press the Start/Stop button when the vehicle  
is at standstill.  
Manual transmission  
1. Depress the brake pedal.  
The engine is switched off.  
2. Engage first gear or reverse.  
3. Apply the parking brake.  
2. Press the clutch and engage idle position.  
3. Press the start/stop button.  
The starting process is activated automatically  
for a short time and stops as soon as the engine  
starts.  
Automatic Start/Stop  
function  
Most of the indicator and warning lamps in the  
instrument cluster are illuminated for different  
lengths of time.  
Principle  
The Auto Start Stop function helps you to save  
fuel. The system stops the engine when station‐  
ary, for example in a traffic jam or at traffic lights.  
The drive-ready state remains switched on. For  
driving off, the engine starts automatically.  
Diesel engine  
With the engine cold and at temperatures below  
0 ℃, 32 ℉ the starting operation can be delayed  
slightly due to automatic preheating.  
A Check Control message is shown.  
General  
Full drive power may not be available until the  
engine is at operating temperature. Observe the  
engine temperature display for this. In this case,  
the vehicle will not accelerate in the usual way.  
Each time the engine is started via the Start/Stop  
button, the Automatic Start/Stop function is  
switched to standby. The function is activated  
from a speed of around 5 km/h, 3 mph.  
Depending on selected drive mode, see  
page 141, the system is activated or deactivated  
automatically.  
Petrol engine  
Depending on the engine version, full drive  
power may only be available approx. 30 seconds  
after starting the engine. In this case, the vehicle  
will not accelerate in the usual way.  
Display in the instrument cluster  
When drive-ready state is switched on, the revo‐  
lution counter shows the current engine speed.  
123  
 
Driving  
CONTROLS  
Displays in the instrument cluster  
Stopping the engine  
Operating requirements  
Steptronic transmission  
General  
The READY display in the revolu‐  
tion counter indicates that the Au‐  
tomatic Start/Stop function is  
ready for automatic engine start‐  
ing.  
The engine is automatically shut down when sta‐  
tionary under the following conditions:  
▷ Selector lever in selector lever position D.  
▷ Brake pedal remains pressed while the vehi‐  
cle is at a standstill or vehicle is kept station‐  
ary by Automatic Hold.  
The display indicates that the pre‐  
conditions for an automatic en‐  
gine stop are not met.  
▷ Driver's seat belt buckled or driver's door  
closed.  
Manual transmission  
Total time for switched-off engine  
The engine is automatically shut down when sta‐  
tionary under the following conditions:  
ECO PRO, see page 268, drive  
mode: depending on the equip‐  
ment, the total time during which  
the engine is shut down by the  
▷ Gearbox in neutral and clutch pedal not  
pressed.  
Auto Start Stop function is dis‐  
played during an automatic engine stop.  
▷ Driver's seat belt buckled or driver's door  
closed.  
After refuelling, the total time is automatically re‐  
set.  
Steptronic transmission: manual  
engine stop  
If the engine was not switched off automatically  
when the vehicle came to a stop, it can be  
switched off manually:  
Functional limitations  
The engine is not shut down automatically in the  
following situations:  
▷ Rapidly press the brake pedal from the cur‐  
rent position.  
▷ On steep downward gradients.  
▷ Brake not pressed strongly enough.  
▷ Engage selector lever position P.  
▷ High outside temperature and operation of  
the automatic air conditioning.  
If all the operating requirements have been met,  
the engine is stopped.  
▷ Interior not heated or cooled to the desired  
temperature.  
Air conditioning system when the  
vehicle is parked  
The air flow rate of the air conditioning system is  
reduced when the engine is not running.  
▷ Where there is a risk of condensation when  
the automatic air conditioning is switched on.  
▷ Engine or other parts not at operating tem‐  
perature.  
▷ Engine cooling is required.  
▷ Sharp steering angle or steering operation.  
▷ Vehicle battery is heavily discharged.  
124  
 
Driving  
CONTROLS  
▷ At high altitudes.  
System limits  
▷ Bonnet is unlocked.  
▷ Park Assistant is activated.  
▷ Stop-and-go traffic.  
Even if you do not want to drive off, the engine  
restarts automatically in the following situations:  
▷ Very high temperature in the interior when  
the cooling function is switched on.  
▷ Steptronic transmission: selector lever posi‐  
tion in N or R.  
▷ Very low temperature in the interior when the  
heating is switched on.  
▷ After reversing.  
▷ Where there is a risk of condensation when  
the automatic air conditioning is switched on.  
▷ Use of fuel with high ethanol content.  
▷ When the steering wheel is turned.  
▷ Steptronic transmission:  
Engine start  
Operating requirements  
Shift from selector lever position D to N or R.  
▷ Steptronic transmission:  
Steptronic transmission  
Shift from selector lever position P to N, D or  
R.  
For driving off, the engine automatically starts  
under the following conditions:  
▷ Vehicle battery is heavily discharged.  
▷ Start of an oil level measurement.  
▷ By releasing the brake pedal.  
▷ With Automatic Hold activated: press the ac‐  
celerator pedal.  
Auto Start/Stop additional  
function  
Manual transmission  
Depending on the equipment version and na‐  
tional-market version, the vehicle has various  
sensors to record the traffic situation. This ena‐  
bles the Automatic Start/Stop function to adapt  
to various traffic situations and, where necessary,  
behave in an anticipatory manner.  
For driving off, the engine automatically starts  
under the following conditions:  
▷ By pressing the clutch pedal.  
Driving off  
After starting the engine, accelerate as normal.  
For example, in the following situations:  
▷ If a situation is detected in which the duration  
of the stop is likely to be very short, the en‐  
gine is not stopped automatically. Depending  
on the situation, a message is shown on the  
Control Display.  
Safety function  
After an automatic shut down, the engine will not  
restart automatically, if one of the following con‐  
ditions is met:  
▷ Driver's seat belt unbuckled and driver's door  
open.  
▷ If a situation is detected in which the vehicle  
should drive off immediately, the stopped en‐  
gine is started automatically.  
▷ Bonnet has been unlocked.  
Several indicator lamps illuminate for various  
lengths of time.  
The function may be limited if the navigation data  
is invalid, outdated or not available, for example.  
The engine can only be started using the start/  
stop button.  
125  
 
Driving  
CONTROLS  
Deactivating/activating the  
system manually  
Parking the vehicle during  
automatic engine stop  
Principle  
General  
The engine is not switched off automatically.  
With automatic engine stop, the vehicle can be  
parked safely, for example in order to leave it.  
During an automatic engine stop, the engine is  
started.  
Steptronic transmission  
1. Press the start/stop button.  
Using the button  
▷ When drive-ready state is switched off.  
▷ Standby state is switched on.  
▷ Selector lever position P is automatically  
engaged.  
2. Apply the parking brake.  
Manual transmission  
1. Press the start/stop button.  
▷ When drive-ready state is switched off.  
▷ Standby state is switched on.  
2. Engage first gear or reverse.  
3. Apply the parking brake.  
Press the button.  
Steptronic transmission: via  
selector lever position  
The Auto Start Stop function is also deactivated  
in selector lever position M/S.  
Automatic deactivation  
General  
In certain situations the Auto Start Stop function  
is deactivated automatically for safety reasons,  
for example if the absence of the driver is detec‐  
ted.  
Via the Driving Experience Control  
The Auto Start Stop function is also deactivated  
in the SPORT drive mode of the Driving Experi‐  
ence Control.  
Display  
Malfunction  
▷ LED illuminates: Auto Start Stop function is  
deactivated.  
The Auto Start Stop function no longer shuts  
down the engine automatically. A Check Control  
message is shown. It is possible to keep driving.  
Have the system checked by a Service Partner  
of the manufacturer or another qualified Service  
Partner or a specialist workshop.  
▷ The LED is extinguished: Auto Start Stop  
function is activated.  
126  
 
Driving  
CONTROLS  
Overview  
Parking brake  
Principle  
The parking brake is used to prevent the vehicle  
from rolling when it is parked.  
Safety notes  
WARNING  
An unsecured vehicle can start moving and roll‐  
ing away. There is a risk of accident. Before  
leaving the vehicle, secure it to prevent it from  
rolling away.  
Parking brake  
Engaging  
Observe the following to ensure that the vehi‐  
cle is secured against rolling away:  
When the vehicle is stationary  
▷ Apply the parking brake.  
Pull the switch.  
▷ Turn the front wheels towards the kerb on  
upward or downward gradients.  
The LED is illuminated.  
The indicator lamp in the instrument  
cluster is illuminated red. The parking  
brake is engaged.  
▷ Additionally secure the vehicle on upward  
or downward gradients, for example with a  
chock.  
The parking brake may be applied automatically  
depending on the parking situation.  
WARNING  
Steptronic transmission: in some parking situa‐  
tions, engaging selector lever position P auto‐  
matically applies the parking brake. In these ca‐  
ses, the parking brake is automatically  
disengaged when shifting from selector lever po‐  
sition P.  
Unsupervised children or pets in the vehicle  
can set the vehicle in motion and endanger  
themselves or other road users, for example by  
the following actions:  
▷ Pressing the start/stop button.  
▷ Releasing the parking brake.  
While the vehicle is in motion  
Use during the journey serves as an emergency  
brake:  
▷ Opening and closing doors or windows.  
▷ Engaging selector lever position N.  
▷ Operating vehicle equipment.  
Pull and hold the switch. Vehicle brakes strongly  
for as long as the switch is pulled.  
There is a risk of accident or injury. Do not  
leave children or pets unsupervised in the vehi‐  
cle. When leaving the vehicle, take the vehicle  
key with you and lock the vehicle.  
The indicator lamp in the instrument  
cluster is illuminated red, a signal sounds  
and the brake lights illuminate.  
A Check Control message is shown.  
127  
 
Driving  
CONTROLS  
If the vehicle is braked to approximately 3 km/h,  
2 mph, the parking brake is engaged.  
▷ If the vehicle is brought to a standstill with the  
parking brake during a journey.  
Safety notes  
Releasing  
Releasing manually  
WARNING  
1. Switch on drive-ready state.  
An unsecured vehicle can start moving and roll‐  
ing away. There is a risk of accident. Before  
leaving the vehicle, secure it to prevent it from  
rolling away.  
2.  
Steptronic transmission: press the  
switch with the brakes applied or selector  
lever position P engaged.  
Observe the following to ensure that the vehi‐  
cle is secured against rolling away:  
Manual transmission: press the button  
with the brakes applied.  
▷ Apply the parking brake.  
▷ Turn the front wheels towards the kerb on  
upward or downward gradients.  
The LED and indicator lamp are illuminated.  
The parking brake is released.  
▷ Additionally secure the vehicle on upward  
or downward gradients, for example with a  
chock.  
Automatic release  
The parking brake is automatically released on  
driving off.  
LED and indicator lamp turn off.  
WARNING  
Unsupervised children or pets in the vehicle  
can set the vehicle in motion and endanger  
themselves or other road users, for example by  
the following actions:  
Steptronic transmission:  
Automatic Hold  
Principle  
Steptronic transmission:  
▷ Pressing the start/stop button.  
▷ Releasing the parking brake.  
This system provides assistance by automatically  
applying and releasing the brake, for example in  
stop-and-go traffic.  
▷ Opening and closing doors or windows.  
▷ Engaging selector lever position N.  
▷ Operating vehicle equipment.  
The vehicle is held automatically when at a  
standstill.  
There is a risk of accident or injury. Do not  
leave children or pets unsupervised in the vehi‐  
cle. When leaving the vehicle, take the vehicle  
key with you and lock the vehicle.  
On upward gradients, it prevents the vehicle  
from rolling back when driving off.  
General  
The parking brake is automatically applied in the  
following conditions:  
▷ When drive-ready state is switched off.  
▷ When the driver's door is opened with the ve‐  
hicle at a standstill.  
128  
 
Driving  
CONTROLS  
Driving off  
To drive off, press the accelerator pedal.  
NOTE  
Automatic Hold applies the parking brake when  
the vehicle is stationary and prevents the vehi‐  
cle from rolling in car washes. There is a risk of  
material damage. Deactivate Automatic Hold  
before driving into the car wash.  
The brake is released automatically and the indi‐  
cator lamp for the parking brake is no longer illu‐  
minated.  
Automatic activation of the parking  
brake  
The parking brake is automatically applied when  
the vehicle is being held by Automatic Hold and  
drive-ready state is switched off or the vehicle is  
exited.  
Overview  
The indicator lamp changes from green  
to red.  
The parking brake is not applied automatically if  
drive-ready state was switched off while the ve‐  
hicle was still rolling. Automatic Hold is switched  
off in this case.  
Automatic Hold  
Switching off operational readiness  
Press the button.  
Activating the Automatic Hold  
function  
The LED is extinguished.  
1. Switch on drive-ready state.  
The indicator lamp extinguishes.  
2.  
Press the button.  
Automatic Hold is switched off.  
The LED is illuminated.  
If the vehicle is being held stationary by Auto‐  
matic Hold, also depress the brake pedal when  
switching off.  
The indicator lamp illuminates green.  
Automatic Hold is ready to operate.  
When the vehicle is restarted, the last se‐  
lected setting is retained.  
Malfunction  
If the parking brake has failed or malfunctioned,  
secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling away  
before leaving the vehicle.  
Automatic Hold holds the vehicle  
Operational readiness is established and the  
driver's door is closed.  
A Check Control message is shown.  
After getting out, secure the vehicle to prevent it  
from rolling away, for example with a chock.  
Once the brake has been applied, the ve‐  
hicle is secured from rolling as soon as  
the indicator lamp is illuminated green.  
129  
 
Driving  
CONTROLS  
The duration of the triple turn signal can be set.  
Via iDrive:  
After a power failure  
To restore parking brake functionality after a  
power failure:  
1. "My Vehicle"  
1. Switch on standby state.  
2. "Vehicle settings"  
3. "Lights"  
2.  
Pull the switch with the brakes applied  
or selector lever position P engaged and then  
press it.  
4. "Exterior lighting"  
5. "One-touch turn signal"  
6. Select the desired setting.  
The setting is saved for the current driver profile.  
The procedure can take a few seconds. Any  
sounds that occur are normal.  
The indicator lamp no longer illuminates  
as soon as the parking brake is once  
again operational.  
Indicating a turn briefly  
Press the lever as far as the resistance point and  
hold it there for as long as you wish to indicate a  
turn.  
Turn indicators, high-beam  
headlights, headlight  
flasher  
High-beam headlights, headlight  
flasher  
Push the lever forwards or pull it back.  
Turn indicator  
Turn indicator in exterior mirror  
Do not fold in the exterior mirrors while driving or  
while operating the turn indicators or hazard  
warning lights to ensure that the indicator lamps  
in the exterior mirrors are well recognisable.  
Indicating  
▷ High-beam headlights on, arrow 1.  
The high-beam headlights are illuminated  
when the low-beam headlights are switched  
on.  
▷ High-beam headlights off/headlight flasher,  
arrow 2.  
Press the lever beyond the resistance point.  
Triple turn signal  
Briefly press the lever up or down.  
130  
 
Driving  
CONTROLS  
When the vehicle is at a standstill, the wipers  
switch to intermittent operation.  
Wiper system  
▷ Fast wiper speed, position 3.  
General  
When the vehicle is at a standstill, the wipers  
switch to normal speed.  
Do not use the wipers on a dry windscreen, oth‐  
erwise the wiper blades will wear or become  
damaged more quickly.  
If a journey is interrupted with the wiper system  
switched on: when the journey is resumed, the  
wipers continue operating at the previously set  
level.  
Safety notes  
WARNING  
Switching off and flick-wiping  
If the wipers start moving when they are folded  
away from the windscreen, parts of the body  
may become trapped or the vehicle may be  
damaged. There is a risk of injury or material  
damage. Make sure that the vehicle is switched  
off when the wipers are folded away from the  
windscreen, and that the wipers are in contact  
with the windscreen when switching on.  
Press the lever down.  
NOTE  
▷ To switch off: press the lever downwards to  
the home position.  
If the wipers are frozen to the windscreen,  
switching them on may cause the wiper blades  
to tear off and the wiper motor to overheat.  
There is a risk of material damage. Defrost the  
windscreen before switching on the wipers.  
▷ To flick-wipe: press the lever downwards  
from the home position.  
The lever returns to the home position when  
released.  
Switching on  
Rain sensor  
Principle  
The rain sensor automatically controls the wiper  
operation depending on the level of rainfall.  
General  
The sensor is mounted on the windscreen, di‐  
rectly in front of the rear-view mirror.  
Press the lever upwards to the desired position.  
▷ Rest position of the wipers, position 0.  
▷ Rain sensor, position 1.  
▷ Normal wiper speed, position 2.  
131  
 
Driving  
CONTROLS  
Downwards: low sensitivity of the rain sensor.  
Safety note  
NOTE  
Windscreen washer  
Safety notes  
In car washes, the wipers may inadvertently  
start moving if the rain sensor is activated.  
There is a risk of material damage. Deactivate  
the rain sensor in car washes.  
WARNING  
At low temperatures, the washer fluid can  
freeze onto the windscreen and restrict visibil‐  
ity. There is a risk of accident. Only use the  
washer systems if there is no possibility of the  
washer fluid freezing. Use antifreeze if required.  
Activating  
NOTE  
If the washer fluid reservoir is empty, the  
washer pump cannot operate as intended.  
There is a risk of material damage. Do not use  
the washer system with the washer fluid reser‐  
voir empty.  
Press the lever upwards once from the home po‐  
sition, arrow 1.  
Wiping is started.  
Cleaning the windscreen  
The LED in the wiper lever is illuminated.  
If there is frost, wiping may not start.  
Deactivating  
Press the lever back to the home position.  
Setting the sensitivity of the rain  
sensor  
Pull the lever.  
Fluid from the washer fluid reservoir is sprayed  
onto the windscreen and the wipers are operated  
briefly.  
Windscreen washer jets  
The windscreen washer jets are automatically  
heated when standby state is switched on.  
Turn the knurled wheel to set the sensitivity of  
the rain sensor.  
Upwards: high sensitivity of the rain sensor.  
132  
 
Driving  
CONTROLS  
Safety notes  
Rear wiper  
Overview  
WARNING  
If the wipers start moving when they are folded  
away from the windscreen, parts of the body  
may become trapped or the vehicle may be  
damaged. There is a risk of injury or material  
damage. Make sure that the vehicle is switched  
off when the wipers are folded away from the  
windscreen, and that the wipers are in contact  
with the windscreen when switching on.  
Switching on  
NOTE  
Turn the outer switch upwards.  
If the wipers are frozen to the windscreen,  
switching them on may cause the wiper blades  
to tear off and the wiper motor to overheat.  
There is a risk of material damage. Defrost the  
windscreen before switching on the wipers.  
▷ Rest position of the wiper, position 0.  
▷ Intermittent mode, arrow 1. Engaging reverse  
gear activates continuous operation.  
To clean the rear window  
Turn the outer switch in the desired direction.  
Folding out the wipers  
▷ In rest position: turn the switch downwards,  
arrow 3. The switch returns to the rest posi‐  
tion when released.  
1. Switch on standby state.  
2. Press the wiper lever down and hold until the  
wipers stop in an approximately vertical posi‐  
tion.  
▷ In intermittent operation: turn the switch fur‐  
ther, arrow 2. The switch returns to the inter‐  
mittent position when released.  
The function is deactivated if the washer fluid  
level in the reservoir is low.  
Fold-out position of the wipers  
Principle  
In the fold-out position, the wipers can be folded  
away from the windscreen.  
General  
This is necessary for example when replacing the  
wiper blades or to keep them away from the  
windscreen when there is frost.  
133  
 
Driving  
CONTROLS  
3. Lift the wipers completely away from the  
windscreen.  
ucts into other bottles. Keep service products  
out of the reach of children.  
WARNING  
Washer fluid can ignite on contact with hot  
parts of the engine and catch fire. There is a  
risk of injury or material damage. Only top up  
washer fluid when the engine has cooled down.  
Then fully close the cap of the washer fluid res‐  
ervoir.  
Folding in the wipers  
After folding the wipers in, the wiper system  
must be reactivated.  
NOTE  
Silicone additives mixed with the washer fluid  
for their water beading effect on the windows  
may damage the washer system. There is a risk  
of material damage. Do not add silicone addi‐  
tives to the washer fluid.  
1. Fold the wipers fully down onto the wind‐  
screen.  
2. Switch on standby state and press and hold  
the wiper lever down again.  
3. The wipers move back to the rest position  
and are operational once again.  
NOTE  
Mixing different screenwash concentrates or  
antifreezes may damage the washer system.  
There is a risk of material damage. Do not mix  
different screenwash concentrates or antifree‐  
zes. Please comply with the instructions and  
mixing ratios stated on the containers.  
Washer fluid  
General  
All washer jets are supplied from one reservoir.  
Use a mixture of tap water and screenwash con‐  
centrate for the windscreen washer system, if  
necessary with the addition of antifreeze.  
Overview  
Recommended minimum fill level: 1 litre,  
1.7 Imp. pints.  
Safety notes  
WARNING  
Some antifreezes can contain toxic substances,  
and are flammable. There is a risk of fire and in‐  
jury. Please comply with the instructions on the  
containers. Keep antifreezes away from sour‐  
ces of combustion. Do not pour service prod‐  
The reservoir for the washer fluid is located in  
the engine compartment.  
134  
 
Driving  
CONTROLS  
Malfunction  
Schematic diagram  
Using undiluted screenwash concentrate or anti‐  
freeze based on alcohol may result in false read‐  
ings at low temperatures below -15 ℃/+5 ℉.  
Manual transmission  
Safety notes  
▷ 1 – 6: forward gears.  
▷ R: reverse.  
WARNING  
An unsecured vehicle can start moving and roll‐  
ing away. There is a risk of accident. Before  
leaving the vehicle, secure it to prevent it from  
rolling away.  
Shifting gears  
General  
Depending on the motorisation, the rotational  
speed is automatically adjusted as required dur‐  
ing a gear shift for a harmonious gear change.  
Observe the following to ensure that the vehi‐  
cle is secured against rolling away:  
▷ Apply the parking brake.  
▷ Turn the front wheels towards the kerb on  
upward or downward gradients.  
Reverse gear  
Engage this position only when the vehicle is sta‐  
tionary.  
▷ Additionally secure the vehicle on upward  
or downward gradients, for example with a  
chock.  
To overcome the resistance, move the shift lever  
firmly to the left towards the left and engage the  
reverse gear with a gear shift movement for‐  
wards.  
NOTE  
When shifting into a lower gear, high engine  
speeds can damage the engine. There is a risk  
of material damage. Push the shift lever to the  
right while shifting into the 5th or 6th gear.  
Rolling or pushing the vehicle  
In some situations, the vehicle is to roll without  
its own power, for example in a car wash, or be  
pushed.  
1. Switch on standby state.  
2. Press the clutch and change out of a forward  
gear or reverse.  
3. Releasing the parking brake.  
135  
 
Driving  
CONTROLS  
P Park  
Steptronic transmission  
Selector lever position for parking the vehicle, for  
example. In selector lever position P, the trans‐  
mission blocks the individual wheels.  
Principle  
The Steptronic transmission combines the func‐  
tions of an automatic transmission with the  
option to change gear manually if required.  
Only engage selector lever position P when the  
vehicle is stationary.  
Selector lever position P is automatically en‐  
gaged in the following situations, for example:  
Safety note  
▷ After switching off drive-ready state if selec‐  
tor lever position R, D or M/S is engaged.  
WARNING  
▷ If, while the vehicle is at a standstill and selec‐  
tor lever position D, M/S or R is engaged, the  
driver's seat belt is unfastened, the driver's  
door is opened and the brake pedal is not de‐  
pressed.  
An unsecured vehicle can start moving and roll‐  
ing away. There is a risk of accident. Before  
leaving the vehicle, secure it to prevent it from  
rolling away.  
Observe the following to ensure that the vehi‐  
cle is secured against rolling away:  
▷ After switching off standby state if selector  
lever position N is engaged.  
▷ Apply the parking brake.  
Engaging selector lever  
positions  
▷ Turn the front wheels towards the kerb on  
upward or downward gradients.  
▷ Additionally secure the vehicle on upward  
or downward gradients, for example with a  
chock.  
General  
Apply the brakes until you are ready to drive off,  
otherwise the vehicle will move when a drive po‐  
sition is selected.  
Selector lever positions  
D drive position  
Selector lever position for all normal driving. All  
gears for forward driving are selected automati‐  
cally.  
Operating requirements  
The selector lever will only move from position P  
to another selector lever position if drive-ready  
state is switched on and the brake pedal is de‐  
pressed.  
It may not be possible to move out of selector  
lever position P until all technical requirements  
are fulfilled.  
R Reverse  
Only engage selector lever position R when the  
vehicle is stationary.  
Engaging selector lever positions D,  
N, R  
A selector lever lock prevents the following incor‐  
rect operation:  
N neutral  
In selector lever position N, the vehicle can be  
pushed or can roll without power form the en‐  
gine, for example in car washes, see page 137.  
▷ Inadvertent shifting to selector lever posi‐  
tion R.  
136  
 
Driving  
CONTROLS  
▷ Inadvertent change from selector lever posi‐  
tion P to another selector lever position.  
Rolling or pushing the vehicle  
General  
1. Fasten the driver's seat belt.  
2. Press and hold the button to cancel the se‐  
lector lever lock.  
In some situations, the vehicle may need to be  
rolled a short distance without power, for exam‐  
ple in a car wash, or may need to be pushed.  
Engaging selector lever position N  
1. Switch on drive-ready state while pressing  
the brake.  
2. If necessary, release the parking brake.  
3. If necessary, switch off Automatic Hold, see  
page 128.  
4. Press the brake.  
3. Briefly press the selector lever in the desired  
direction, possibly overcoming a resistance  
point. The selector lever returns to the middle  
position when released.  
5. Touch the selector lever lock and engage se‐  
lector lever position N.  
6. Switch off drive-ready state.  
Standby state then remains switched on and  
a Check Control message is shown.  
The vehicle can now roll.  
NOTE  
Selector lever position P is automatically en‐  
gaged when standby state is switched off.  
There is a risk of material damage. Do not  
switch off standby state in car washes.  
Engaging selector lever position P  
Selector lever position P is automatically en‐  
gaged after approximately 35 minutes.  
If there is a fault, it may not be possible to  
change the selector lever position.  
Unlock the transmission lockout electronically if  
necessary, see page 140.  
Kick-down  
Kick-down is used to achieve maximum perform‐  
ance.  
Press button P.  
Press the accelerator pedal down beyond the  
regular full-throttle position; some resistance will  
be felt.  
137  
 
Driving  
CONTROLS  
Activating manual operation  
1. Press the selector lever from selector lever  
position D to the left, arrow 1.  
Sport programme M/S  
Principle  
In the sport programme, the gear shift points and  
gear shift times are configured for more sporty  
driving. For example, the transmission shifts up  
later and the gearshift times are shorter.  
Activating the sport programme  
2. Press the selector lever forwards or pull it  
backwards, arrows 2.  
Manual operation becomes active and the gear is  
shifted.  
The gear selected appears on the instrument  
cluster, for example M1.  
Press the selector lever out of selector lever po‐  
sition D to the left.  
Shifting gears  
▷ To shift down: press the selector lever for‐  
wards.  
The gear selected appears on the instrument  
cluster, for example S1.  
The sport programme of the gearbox is activa‐  
ted.  
▷ To shift up: pull the selector lever backwards.  
In certain situations, the transmission continues  
to shift automatically, for example when engine  
speed limits are reached.  
Exiting sport programme  
Press the selector lever to the right.  
D is shown in the instrument cluster.  
If M2 is set manually while the vehicle is station‐  
ary, the gearbox will no longer shift back to M1.  
This shifting behaviour is retained until you en‐  
gage M1 manually or exit M.  
Manual operation M/S  
Principle  
The gears can be changed manually in manual  
operation.  
Steptronic sport transmission:  
preventing automatic upshift in  
manual mode M/S  
Depending on the motorisation: when SPORT,  
see page 142, driving mode is selected, the  
Steptronic Sport transmission does not automat‐  
ically shift up in M/S manual mode when certain  
engine speed limits are reached.  
In addition, there is no down shift for kick-down.  
138  
 
Driving  
CONTROLS  
128ti/M135i: if certain engine speed limits are  
reached, automatic upshifting does not take  
place as needed in manual mode M/S.  
Permanent manual mode  
In selector lever position S, operating a shift pad‐  
dle causes the system to switch permanently to  
manual mode.  
In the corresponding gearbox version, operating  
the kick-down and the left shift paddle at the  
same time allows you to change down to the  
lowest possible gear. This is not possible in a  
brief change from selector lever position D to  
manual operation M/S using the shift paddles.  
Steptronic sport transmission  
In the corresponding gearbox version, operating  
the kick-down and the left shift paddle at the  
same time allows you to change down to the  
lowest possible gear. This is not possible in  
short-term manual mode.  
Exiting manual operation  
Press the selector lever to the right.  
D is shown in the instrument cluster.  
Shifting gears  
Shift paddles  
Principle  
Shift paddles on steering wheel enable fast gear‐  
shifting without taking hands off steering wheel.  
General  
▷ To change up: pull the right shift paddle.  
▷ To change down: pull the left shift paddle.  
Gearshift  
Gear shifting is only carried out at the appropriate  
engine RPM and vehicle speed.  
▷ To change down to the lowest possible gear:  
pull and hold the left shift paddle.  
Short-term manual operation  
The gear selected appears briefly on the instru‐  
ment cluster, followed by the gear currently in  
use.  
In selector lever position D, operating a shift pad‐  
dle causes the system to switch to manual oper‐  
ation temporarily.  
The gearbox reverts to automatic operation from  
manual operation after a certain period of time of  
moderate driving without acceleration or gear  
shifts using the shift paddles.  
Displays in the instrument  
cluster  
The selector lever position is dis‐  
played, for example P.  
It is possible to change to automatic mode:  
▷ Pull and hold the right shift paddle until D is  
shown in the instrument cluster.  
▷ In addition to pulling the right shift paddle,  
pull the left shift paddle.  
139  
 
Driving  
CONTROLS  
Unlocking the transmission  
lockout electronically  
Launch Control  
Principle  
General  
When the ambient conditions are dry, Launch  
Control permits optimised acceleration on a road  
surface that offers plenty of grip.  
Unlock the transmission lockout electronically to  
manoeuvre the vehicle out of danger.  
Before releasing the transmission lockout, apply  
the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from roll‐  
ing away.  
General  
Use of Launch Control causes premature com‐  
ponent wear, as the function subjects the vehicle  
to very high stresses and loads.  
Engaging selector lever position N  
Do not use Launch Control when running in, see  
page 254.  
Unlocking is possible if the starter is able turn the  
engine.  
When starting with Launch Control, do not turn  
the steering wheel.  
1. Apply the brakes and keep them applied.  
2. Press the start/stop button. The starter must  
be heard to start turning. Keep the Start/Stop  
button pressed.  
Operating requirements  
Launch Control is available as soon as the engine  
and transmission are at operating temperature.  
Depending on the outside temperature and driv‐  
ing style, the engine and transmission require an  
uninterrupted journey of up to 50 km, 30 miles in  
order to reach the operating temperature needed  
for Launch Control.  
3. With your free hand, press the button on the  
selector lever, arrow 1, push the selector  
lever to selector lever position N and hold it  
there, arrow N, until selector lever position N  
is displayed in the instrument cluster.  
A Check Control message is shown.  
Starting with Launch Control  
1. Switch on drive-ready state.  
2.  
Press the button.  
TRACTION is displayed in the instrument  
cluster and the DSC OFF indicator lamp is il‐  
luminated.  
3. Engage selector lever position S.  
4. Release the Start/Stop button and selector  
lever.  
4. Press the brake firmly with the left foot.  
5. Press the accelerator pedal down beyond the  
resistance at the full-throttle position and  
hold, kick-down.  
5. Release the brake as soon as the starter  
stops.  
6. Manoeuvre the vehicle out of danger and  
then secure it against rolling away.  
A flag symbol is shown in the instrument  
cluster.  
More information can be found in the Tow-start‐  
ing and towing chapter, see page 338.  
140  
 
Driving  
CONTROLS  
6. The starting engine speed is adjusted. Wait  
briefly until the engine speed is constant.  
Keep the accelerator pedal in this position.  
▷ Cruise Control.  
Overview  
7. Release the brake within 3 seconds of the  
flag symbol illuminating.  
The vehicle accelerates.  
Upshifts are automatic as long as the flag  
symbol is displayed and the accelerator pedal  
is not released.  
Using again during a journey  
Once Launch Control has been used, the trans‐  
mission requires approximately 5 minutes to cool  
down before Launch Control can be used again.  
Launch Control adapts to the ambient conditions  
when used again.  
Displays in the instrument  
cluster  
The selected drive mode is  
shown in the instrument cluster.  
After using Launch Control  
To assist driving stability, re-activate Dynamic  
Stability Control, DSC as soon as possible.  
Drive modes  
System limits  
An experienced driver may be able to achieve  
better acceleration values in DSC OFF mode.  
Button  
Drive mode Configura‐  
tion  
SPORT  
SPORT  
INDIVIDUAL  
COMFORT  
ECO PRO  
COMFORT  
ECO PRO  
Driving Experience Control  
INDIVIDUAL  
Principle  
Drive modes in detail  
COMFORT  
The Driving Experience Control influences the  
driving dynamics characteristics of the vehicle.  
The vehicle can be adapted depending on the  
situation using various driving modes.  
Principle  
General  
Balanced setting between sporty and efficient  
driving.  
The following systems are influenced, for exam‐  
ple:  
Switching on  
▷ Engine characteristics.  
▷ Steptronic transmission.  
▷ Adaptive suspension.  
▷ Steering.  
Press the button until COMFORT is  
displayed in the instrument cluster.  
▷ Display in the instrument cluster.  
141  
 
Driving  
CONTROLS  
Switching on  
Press the button until ECO PRO is dis‐  
played in the instrument cluster.  
SPORT  
Principle  
Dynamic configuration for greater agility with an  
optimised suspension.  
ECO PRO INDIVIDUAL  
Switching on  
Principle  
Press the button until SPORT is dis‐  
played in the instrument cluster.  
Individual settings can be made in ECO PRO IN‐  
DIVIDUAL drive mode.  
Configuring  
SPORT INDIVIDUAL  
Via iDrive:  
Principle  
1. "My Vehicle"  
Individual settings can be made in SPORT INDI‐  
VIDUAL drive mode.  
2. "Vehicle settings"  
3. If necessary, "Driving Experience Control"  
4. "Configure ECO PRO INDIVIDUAL"  
5. Select the desired setting.  
Configuring  
Via iDrive:  
1. "My Vehicle"  
The setting is saved for the current driver profile.  
2. "Vehicle settings"  
3. If necessary, "Driving Experience Control"  
4. "Configure SPORT INDIVIDUAL"  
5. Select the desired setting.  
▷ "Damping"  
Reset ECO PRO INDIVIDUAL to the default set‐  
ting:  
"Reset to ECO PRO STANDARD".  
INDIVIDUAL configuration  
General  
▷ "Steering"  
▷ "Engine"  
The individual configuration of the drive mode is  
saved for the current driver profile. The configu‐  
ration set last is directly activated when the drive  
mode is called up again.  
▷ "Transmission"  
▷ Manual transmission: "Gear Shift  
Assistant"  
When changing down, the engine speed  
is adapted for the gear change.  
Activating the configuration of the  
drive mode  
Press the button of the desired drive several  
times.  
The setting is saved for the current driver profile.  
Reset SPORT INDIVIDUAL to default setting:  
"Reset to SPORT STANDARD".  
ECO PRO  
Principle  
Efficient driving setting.  
142  
 

Related Topics

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Opening and closing Seats, mirrors and steering wheel Carrying children safely Displays Lights Safety Driving Stability Control Systems Driver Assistance Systems Driving comfort Air conditioning Interior equipment Storage compartments Luggage compartment

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