Get CONTROLS -> Driving Guide for BMW 2 Series 4 Door First Generation (2014-2021)

Driving

CONTROLS

Driving

Ignition off

Steptronic transmission: press the start/stop but‐

ton again without pressing the brake pedal.

Vehicle equipment

This chapter describes all standard, country-spe‐

cific and special equipment available for the

model series. It may therefore describe equip‐

ment which is not installed in your vehicle, for ex‐

ample on account of the optional equipment se‐

lected or the country variant. This also applies to

safety-relevant functions and systems. Please

comply with the relevant laws and regulations

when using the corresponding functions and

systems.

Manual gearbox: press the start/stop button

again, do not press the clutch pedal.

All indicator lamps in the instrument cluster ex‐

tinguish.

To save battery power when the engine is off,

switch off the ignition and any unnecessary

power consumers.

Safety measures

When the ignition is switched off, the selector

lever will shift automatically to position P if it was

previously in position R, D or M/S.

Start/stop button

Principle

If the vehicle is stationary with the engine

switched off, the ignition switches off automati‐

cally under the following circumstances:

The ignition is switched on or off

and the engine is started by

pressing the start/stop button.

▷ When the vehicle is locked, even if the low-

beam headlights are switched on.

Steptronic transmission: the en‐

gine starts if the brakes are ap‐

▷ Shortly before the battery is discharged so

that an engine start remains possible.

plied when the start/stop button is pressed.

▷ When opening or closing the driver's door, if

the driver's seat belt is unfastened and the

low-beam headlights are switched off.

Manual gearbox: the engine starts if the clutch

pedal is pressed when pressing the start/stop

button.

▷ When the driver's seat belt is unfastened, if

the driver's door is opened and the low-beam

headlights switched off.

Ignition on

Steptronic transmission: press the start/stop but‐

ton again without pressing the brake pedal.

After some minutes without further operation,

the low-beam headlights are changed over to

side lights.

Manual gearbox: press the start/stop button, do

not press the clutch pedal.

All systems are operational.

Radio-ready state

General

In the radio-ready state, individual current con‐

sumers remain ready for operation.

Most of the indicator and warning lamps in the

instrument cluster are illuminated for different

lengths of time.

To save battery power when the engine is off,

switch off the ignition and any unnecessary

power consumers.

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Activating

When the engine is running, press the start/stop

button.

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.

If engine is switched off and the ignition is

switched on: the system automatically activates

radio-ready state when the door is opened if the

lights are switched off or the daytime driving

lights are switched on.

Observe the following to ensure that the vehi‐

cle is secured against rolling away:

Radio-ready state remains active when ignition is

switched off automatically, such as for the

following reasons:

▷ Apply the parking brake.

▷ Turn the front wheels towards the kerb on

upward or downward gradients.

▷ When the driver's door is opened or closed.

▷ When the driver's seat belt is unfastened.

▷ Additionally secure the vehicle on upward

or downward gradients, for example with a

chock.

▷ When the low-beam headlights are automati‐

cally switched to side lights.

NOTE

Switching off automatically

Repeated start attempts or starting several

times in quick succession means that fuel is

not burned or is inadequately burned. The cata‐

lytic converter can overheat. There is a risk of

material damage. Avoid repeatedly starting in

quick succession.

The radio-ready state is automatically switched

off in the following situations:

▷ If the ignition is switched off manually with

the start/stop button.

▷ After approximately 8 minutes.

▷ When locking via the central locking system.

▷ Shortly before the battery is discharged so

that an engine start remains possible.

Diesel engine

With the engine cold and at temperatures below

0 ℃, 32 ℉ the starting operation can be delayed

slightly due to automatic preheating.

Engine start

Safety notes

DANGER

A Check Control message is shown.

Depending on the engine version, full drive

power may only be available a few minutes after

starting the engine. In this case, the vehicle will

not accelerate in the usual way.

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 danger of fatal

injury. Keep the exhaust pipe clear and ensure

sufficient ventilation.

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.

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Steptronic transmission

WARNING

Starting the engine

1. Depress the brake pedal.

2. Press the start/stop button.

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.

The starting process is activated automatically

for a short time and stops as soon as the engine

starts.

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.

Manual gearbox

Starting the engine

1. Depress the brake pedal.

▷ Additionally secure the vehicle on upward

or downward gradients, for example with a

chock.

2. Press the clutch and engage idle position.

3. Press the start/stop button.

Steptronic transmission

Stopping the engine

The starting process is activated automatically

for a short time and stops as soon as the engine

starts.

1. With the vehicle at a standstill, engage selec‐

tor lever position P.

Stopping the engine

Safety notes

2. Press the start/stop button.

The engine is switched off.

The radio-ready state is switched on.

3. Apply the parking brake.

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:

Manual gearbox

Stopping the engine

1. Press the Start/Stop button when the vehicle

is at standstill.

▷ Pressing the start/stop button.

▷ Releasing the parking brake.

2. Engage first gear or reverse.

3. Apply the parking brake.

▷ Opening and closing doors or windows.

▷ Engaging selector lever position N.

▷ Operating vehicle equipment.

Auto Start Stop function

There is a risk of accidents 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.

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.

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The ignition remains switched on. For driving off,

the engine starts automatically.

Functional limitations

The engine is not shut down automatically in the

following situations, for example:

General

▷ On steep downward gradients.

▷ Outside temperature too low.

Each time the engine is started via the start/stop

button, the Auto Start/Stop function is switched

to standby.

▷ High outside temperature and operation of

the automatic air conditioning.

The function is activated from a speed of

around 5 km/h, 3 mph.

▷ Interior not heated or cooled to the desired

temperature.

Depending on selected drive mode, the system

is activated or deactivated automatically.

▷ Engine is not yet at operating temperature.

▷ Sharp steering angle or steering operation.

▷ After reversing.

Stopping the engine

Operating requirements

▷ Where there is a risk of condensation when

the automatic air conditioning is switched on.

The engine is automatically shut down when sta‐

tionary under the following conditions:

▷ Vehicle battery is heavily discharged.

▷ At high altitudes.

Steptronic transmission:

▷ Bonnet is unlocked.

▷ Selector lever in selector lever position D.

▷ Park Assistant is activated.

▷ Stop-and-go traffic.

▷ Brake pedal remains pressed while the vehi‐

cle is at a standstill.

▷ Selector lever position in N, M/S or R.

▷ Use of fuel with high ethanol content.

▷ Driver's seat belt buckled or driver's door

closed.

Manual gearbox:

Engine start

For driving off, the engine automatically starts

under the following conditions:

▷ Gearbox in neutral and clutch pedal not

pressed.

▷ Driver's seat belt buckled or driver's door

closed.

▷ Steptronic transmission: by releasing the

brake pedal.

The air flow rate of the air conditioning system is

reduced when the engine is not running.

▷ Manual gearbox: by depressing the clutch

pedal.

After starting the engine, accelerate as normal.

Displays in the instrument cluster

The READY display in the revolu‐

tion counter indicates that the

Auto Start Stop function is ready

for automatic engine starting.

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.

The display indicates that the pre‐

conditions for an automatic en‐

gine stop are not met.

▷ Bonnet has been unlocked.

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Several indicator lamps illuminate for various

lengths of time.

During an automatic engine stop, the engine

is started.

The engine can only be started using the start/

stop button.

The engine can be started or stopped only by

means of the start/stop button.

▷ The LED is extinguished: Auto Start Stop

function is activated.

Functional limitations

Even if you do not want to drive off, the engine

restarts automatically in the following situations:

Parking the vehicle during

automatic engine stop

With automatic engine stop, the vehicle can be

parked safely, for example in order to leave it.

▷ Very high temperature in the interior when

the cooling function is switched on.

▷ The driver applies lock to the steering wheel.

Steptronic transmission:

▷ Steptronic transmission: shift from selector

lever position D to N, R or M/S.

1. Press the start/stop button. The ignition is

switched off. The Auto Start Stop function is

deactivated.

▷ Steptronic transmission: shift from selector

lever position P to N, D, R or M/S.

▷ Vehicle starts to roll.

Selector lever position P is automatically en‐

gaged.

▷ Where there is a risk of condensation when

the automatic air conditioning is switched on.

2. Apply the parking brake.

Manual gearbox:

▷ Vehicle battery is heavily discharged.

▷ Very low temperature in the interior when the

heating is switched on.

1. Press the start/stop button. The ignition is

switched off. The Auto Start Stop function is

deactivated.

▷ Low brake vacuum, for example because the

brake pedal has been pressed a number of

times in succession.

2. Engage first gear or reverse.

3. Apply the parking brake.

Start engine as usual, using the start/stop button.

Manually deactivating/activating

the system

Automatic deactivation

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.

Using the button

Malfunction

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.

Press the button.

▷ LED illuminates: Auto Start Stop function is

deactivated.

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Releasing

Parking brake

Safety note

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.

Observe the following to ensure that the vehi‐

cle is secured against rolling away:

Pull up the lever a bit, press the button and guide

the lever down.

▷ Apply the parking brake.

▷ Turn the front wheels towards the kerb on

upward or downward gradients.

Turn indicators, high-beam

headlights, headlight

flasher

▷ Additionally secure the vehicle on upward

or downward gradients, for example with a

chock.

Turn indicator

Applying

The lever engages itself after pulling up.

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 turn indicators

in the exterior mirrors are well recognisable.

The indicator lamp illuminates red. The

parking brake is engaged.

If it must be used while driving by way of excep‐

tion, slightly engage the parking brake while

pressing and holding the button.

Indicating

To avoid corrosion and one-sided braking effect,

slightly pull on the parking brake from time to

time when moving away, if traffic conditions al‐

low.

The brake lights do not illuminate when the park‐

ing brake is applied.

Press the lever beyond the resistance point.

Triple turn signal

Briefly press the lever up or down.

The turn indicator flashes three times.

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This function can be enabled or disabled.

Via iDrive:

▷ High-beam headlights off/headlight flasher,

arrow 2.

1. "My Vehicle"

2. "Vehicle settings"

3. "Lights"

Wiper system

4. "Exterior lighting"

5. "One-touch turn signal"

6. Select the desired setting.

General

Do not use the wipers on a dry windscreen, oth‐

erwise the wiper blades will wear or become

damaged more quickly.

The setting is saved for the currently used pro‐

file.

Safety notes

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.

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 danger of injury or dam‐

age to property. 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.

Malfunction

If the indicator bulb flashes more rapidly than

usual, a turn indicator has failed.

When towing a trailer, the light might also indi‐

cate failure of one of the turn signal lights of the

trailer.

High-beam headlights, headlight

flasher

NOTE

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.

Push the lever forwards or pull it back.

Switching on

▷ High-beam headlights on, arrow 1.

The high-beam headlights are illuminated

when the low-beam headlights are switched

on.

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Press the lever upwards to the desired position.

▷ Rest position of the wipers, position 0.

sensor, the interval for the wiper operation is

specified.

▷ Intermittent operation or rain sensor, position

1.

Safety note

▷ Normal wiper speed, position 2.

NOTE

When the vehicle is at a standstill, the wipers

switch to intermittent operation.

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.

▷ Fast wiper speed, position 3.

When the vehicle is at a standstill, the wipers

switch to normal speed.

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.

Activating

Switching off and flick-wiping

Press the lever upwards once from the home po‐

sition, arrow 1.

Wiping is started.

The LED in the wiper lever is illuminated.

If there is frost, wiping may not start.

Press the lever down.

▷ To switch off: press lever downwards until

the home position is reached.

Deactivating

Press the lever back to the home position.

▷ To flick-wipe: press the lever downwards

from the home position.

The lever returns to the home position when

released.

Intermittent mode or 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. Without rain

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Setting the interval time or

sensitivity of the rain sensor

Cleaning the windscreen

Pull the lever.

Turn the knurled wheel to set the interval time or

sensitivity of the rain sensor.

Fluid from the washer fluid reservoir is sprayed

onto the windscreen and the wipers are operated

briefly.

Up: short interval or high sensitivity of the rain

sensor.

When the vehicle's lights are switched on, the

headlights are also cleaned simultaneously at

practical intervals.

Down: long interval or low sensitivity of the rain

sensor.

Windscreen washer jets

Both windscreen washer jets are automatically

heated when the ignition is switched on.

Windscreen and headlight

washer

Safety notes

Fold-out position of the wipers

Principle

In the fold-out position, the wipers can be folded

away from the windscreen.

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.

General

Helpful, for example for replacing the wiper

blades or folding them out in the event of frost.

NOTE

Safety notes

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.

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 danger of injury or dam‐

age to property. Make sure that the vehicle is

switched off when the wipers are folded away

from the windscreen, and that the wipers are in

120

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contact with the windscreen when switching

on.

2. Switch on the ignition.

3. Press the wiper lever downwards. The wipers

move back to the rest position and are opera‐

tional once again.

NOTE

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.

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.

Folding out the wipers

1. Switch the ignition on and back off again.

Recommended minimum fill level: 1 litre,

1.7 Imp. pints.

2. Press the wiper lever down and hold until the

wipers stop in an approximately vertical posi‐

tion.

Safety notes

WARNING

Some antifreezes can contain toxic substances,

and are flammable. There is a risk of fire and fa‐

tal injury. Please comply with the instructions

on the containers. Keep antifreezes away from

sources of combustion. Do not pour service

products into other bottles. Keep service prod‐

ucts out of the reach of children.

3. Lift the wipers completely away from the

windscreen.

WARNING

Washer fluid can ignite on contact with hot

parts of the engine and catch fire. There is a

danger of injury or damage to property. Only

top up washer fluid when the engine has

cooled down. Then fully close the cap of the

washer fluid reservoir.

Folding in the wipers

After folding the wipers in, the wiper system

must be reactivated.

1. Folding in the wipers completely onto the

windscreen.

121

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NOTE

Manual gearbox

Safety notes

WARNING

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.

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.

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.

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.

▷ Additionally secure the vehicle on upward

or downward gradients, for example with a

chock.

Overview

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.

Schematic diagram

The reservoir for the washer fluid is located in

the engine compartment.

Malfunction

Using undiluted screenwash concentrate or anti‐

freeze made of alcohol may result in false read‐

ings at low temperatures below -15 ℃/+5 ℉.

▷ 1 – 6: forward gears

▷ R: reverse gear

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▷ Apply the parking brake.

Shifting gears

General

▷ Turn the front wheels towards the kerb on

upward or downward gradients.

Depending on the engine version, the engine

speed is automatically adjusted as required dur‐

ing a gear shift for a harmonious and dynamic

gear change.

▷ Additionally secure the vehicle on upward

or downward gradients, for example with a

chock.

Selector lever positions

D drive position

Selector lever position for all normal driving. All

gears for forward driving are selected automati‐

cally.

Reverse gear

Engage this position only when the vehicle is sta‐

tionary.

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.

R Reverse

Only engage selector lever position R when the

vehicle is stationary.

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.

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 124.

1. Switch on the ignition.

2. Press the clutch and change out of a forward

gear or reverse.

P Park

3. Releasing the parking brake.

Selector lever position for parking the vehicle, for

example.

Steptronic transmission

In selector lever position P, the transmission

blocks the drive wheels.

Principle

The Steptronic transmission combines the func‐

tions of an automatic transmission with the op‐

portunity of changing 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:

▷ After stopping the engine in the radio-ready

state, see page 112, or ignition off, see

page 112, when selector lever position R, D

or M/S is engaged.

Safety note

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:

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▷ After switching off the ignition, if selector

lever position N is engaged.

point. The selector lever returns to the middle

position when released.

Engaging selector lever

positions

General

Apply the brakes until you are ready to drive off,

otherwise the vehicle will move when a drive po‐

sition is selected.

Operating requirements

Engaging selector lever position P

The selector lever will only move from position P

to another selector lever position when the en‐

gine is running and the brake pedal is depressed.

It may not be possible to move out of selector

lever position P until all technical requirements

are fulfilled.

Engaging selector lever positions D,

N, R

A selector lever lock prevents the following incor‐

rect operation:

Press button P.

▷ Inadvertent shifting to selector lever posi‐

tion R.

Rolling or pushing the vehicle

General

▷ Inadvertent change from selector lever posi‐

tion P to another selector lever position.

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.

1. Fasten the driver's seat belt.

2. Press and hold the button to cancel the se‐

lector lever lock.

Engaging selector lever position N

1. Start the engine with the brake pedal de‐

pressed.

2. If necessary, release the parking brake.

3. Depress the brake pedal.

4. Touch the selector lever lock and engage se‐

lector lever position N.

5. Stop the engine.

3. Briefly press the selector lever in the desired

direction, possibly overcoming a resistance

In this way the ignition remains switched on

and a Check Control message is displayed.

The vehicle can now roll.

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The gear selected appears on the instrument

cluster, for example S1.

NOTE

The sport programme of the gearbox is activa‐

ted.

Selector lever position P is automatically en‐

gaged when the ignition is switched off. There

is a risk of material damage. Do not switch the

ignition off in car washes.

Exiting sport programme

Press the selector lever to the right.

D is shown in the instrument cluster.

Irrespective of the ignition status, the selector

lever position P is engaged automatically after

approximately 15 minutes.

Manual operation M/S

Principle

The gears can be changed manually in manual

operation.

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 127.

Kick-down

Kick-down enables you to achieve maximum

performance.

Activating manual operation

1. Press the selector lever from selector lever

position D to the left, arrow 1.

Press the accelerator pedal down beyond the

regular full-throttle position; some resistance will

be felt.

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.

2. Press the selector lever forwards or pull it

backwards, arrows 2.

Activating the sport programme

Manual operation becomes active and the gear is

shifted.

The gear selected appears on the instrument

cluster, for example M1.

Shifting gears

▷ To shift down: press the selector lever for‐

wards.

▷ 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.

Press the selector lever out of selector lever po‐

sition D to the left.

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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.

Steptronic sport transmission:

preventing automatic upshift in

manual operation M/S

In manual operation M/S, the Steptronic Sport

transmission does not automatically shift up

when certain engine speed limits are reached, if

one of the following conditions is met:

With some gearbox versions it is possible to

change to automatic operation as follows:

▷ Pull and hold right shift paddle.

▷ Dynamic Stability Control DSC deactivated.

▷ Dynamic Traction Control DTC activated.

▷ SPORT+ activated.

▷ In addition to briefly pulling right shift paddle,

briefly pull left shift paddle.

Permanent manual operation

With a corresponding BMW M drive configura‐

tion, this function is active independently of the

above conditions.

In selector lever position S, operating a shift pad‐

dle causes the system to switch permanently to

manual operation (mode).

In addition, there is no down shift for kick-down.

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.

Shifting gears

Exiting manual operation

Press the selector lever to the right.

D is shown in the instrument cluster.

▷ Change up: pull right shift paddle briefly.

▷ Change down: pull left shift paddle briefly.

Shift paddles

Principle

Shift paddles on steering wheel enable fast gear‐

shifting without taking hands off steering wheel.

▷ In the corresponding gearbox version, pulling

the left shift paddle for a long time allows you

to change down to the lowest possible gear.

The gear selected appears briefly on the instru‐

ment cluster, followed by the gear currently in

use.

General

Gearshift

Displays in the instrument

cluster

Gear shifting is only carried out if the engine

speed and vehicle speed are appropriate.

The selector lever position is dis‐

played, for example P.

Short-term manual operation

In selector lever position D, operating a shift pad‐

dle causes the system to switch to manual oper‐

ation temporarily.

126

Driving

CONTROLS

Unlocking the transmission

lockout electronically

Steptronic sport transmission:

Launch Control

General

Principle

Unlock the transmission lockout electronically to

manoeuvre the vehicle out of danger.

When the ambient conditions are dry, Launch

Control permits optimised acceleration on a road

surface that offers plenty of grip.

Unlocking is possible if the starter is able turn the

engine.

General

Before releasing the transmission lockout, apply

the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from roll‐

ing away.

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

1. Apply the brakes and keep them applied.

Do not use Launch Control when running in, see

page 224.

To start with Launch Control, do not turn the

steering wheel.

2. Press the start/stop button. The starter must

be heard to start turning.

3. Press the button on the selector lever, ar‐

row 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.

Operating requirements

Launch Control is available when the engine is at

operating temperature. The engine is at operat‐

ing temperature after an uninterrupted journey of

at least 10 km, 6 miles.

A Check Control message is shown.

Starting with Launch Control

With the engine running:

1.

Press the button or select Sport+

with Driving Experience Control.

TRACTION is displayed in the instrument

cluster and the DSC OFF indicator lamp is il‐

luminated.

2. Engage selector lever position S.

4. Release the selector lever.

3. Press the brake firmly with the left foot.

5. Release the brake as soon as the starter

stops.

4. Press the accelerator pedal down beyond the

resistance at the full-throttle position and

hold, kick-down.

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.

5. The starting engine speed is adjusted. Re‐

lease the brake within 3 seconds.

127

Driving

CONTROLS

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.

After using Launch Control

To assist driving stability, reactivate Dynamic

Stability Control, DSC.

System limits

An experienced driver may be able to achieve

better acceleration values in DSC OFF mode.

128

CONTROLS -> Driving for Your BMW 2 Series 4 Door First Generation (2014-2021)

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