Get CONTROLS -> Driving Guide for BMW 4 Series 4 Door Second Generation (2020-2025)

Driving

CONTROLS

Driving

The Start/Stop button is located on the

center console.

Vehicle features and options

This chapter describes model-specific equip-

ment, systems, and functions that are currently

available, or may become available in the fu-

ture, even if they are not present in the vehicle.

Driving off

1. Turn on drive-ready state.

2. Apply gear position.

3. Driving off.

Additional information:

Vehicle equipment, refer to page 8.

Acoustic pedestrian protection

Start/Stop button

Depending on vehicle equipment and national-

market version, Acoustic Pedestrian Protection

generates a continuous driving noise in vehi-

cles with electric or electrically assisted drives.

Principle

Pressing the Start/Stop button turns drive-

ready state on/off.

▷

With a stationary vehicle and drive-ready

state turned on, as soon as the selector

lever position P is exited.

General information

Drive-ready state turns on when the brake

pedal is pressed while pushing the Start/Stop

button.

▷

With electric driving up to approx.

20 mph/30 km/h.

A speaker system broadcasts the noise to the

environment. As a result, other road users,

for instance pedestrians or cyclists, can better

perceive the vehicle.

Pressing the Start/Stop button again turns

drive-ready state back off and turns standby

state back on.

Additional information:

Auto Start/Stop function

▷

Drive-ready state, refer to page 44.

Standby state, refer to page 43.

Principle

Overview

The Auto Start/Stop function helps save fuel.

The system switches off the engine during a

stop, for instance in traffic jam or at traffic

lights. Drive-ready state remains switched on.

The engine starts automatically for driving off.

General information

The Auto Start/Stop function switches to

standby whenever the engine is started using

the Start/Stop button.

The function is activated at low speeds.

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Driving

CONTROLS

▷

When the ambient temperature is high and

automatic climate control is switched on.

Engine stop

Functional requirements

The engine is switched off automatically when

stopping under the following conditions:

Vehicle interior has not yet been heated or

cooled as desired.

When window condensation is possible and

automatic climate control is switched on.

▷

The selector lever is in selector lever posi-

tion D.

Engine or other components are not at op-

erating temperature.

▷

The brake pedal remains depressed while

the vehicle is at a standstill or the vehicle is

held by Automatic Hold.

▷

Engine cooling is required.

Vehicle battery is deeply discharged.

At higher elevations.

▷

The driver's seat belt is buckled or the driv-

er's door is closed.

The hood is unlocked.

For stop-and-go traffic.

After driving in reverse.

Manual engine stop

If the engine was not switched off automati-

cally when the vehicle stopped, the engine can

be switched off manually:

Without Mild Hybrid technology: Wheels are

at a sharp angle or steering wheel is being

turned.

▷

Depress the brake pedal forcefully again

from the current pedal position.

▷

Selector lever position is S or R.

▷

Engage selector lever position P.

Starting the engine

When all functional preconditions are fulfilled,

the engine switches off.

Functional requirements

The engine starts automatically under the fol-

lowing preconditions:

Air conditioning system when the

engine is switched off

The air flow from the air conditioning system is

reduced when the engine is switched off.

▷

By releasing the brake pedal.

When Automatic Hold is activated: step on

the accelerator pedal.

Display in the instrument cluster

Driving off

Accelerating as usual after starting the engine.

The display in the instrument

cluster indicates that the Auto

Start/Stop function is ready for

an automatic engine start.

Safety mode

After the engine switches off automatically, it

will not start again automatically if any one of

the following conditions are met:

Functional limitations

The engine does not switch off automatically in

situations like the following:

▷

The driver's seat belt is unbuckled and the

driver's door is open.

▷

In case of a steep downhill grade.

▷

Hood was unlocked.

Brake pedal was not depressed hard

enough.

Some indicator lights illuminate for a varied

length of time.

116

Driving

CONTROLS

The engine can only be started using the Start/

Stop button.

Depending on vehicle equipment: Via

button

System limits

Even if driving off was not intended, the deac-

tivated engine starts up automatically in the

following situations:

▷

Vehicle interior is extremely hot when the

cooling is on.

Vehicle interior is extremely cold when the

heating is on.

When window condensation is possible and

automatic climate control is switched on.

Press the button.

▷

LED is illuminated: Auto Start/Stop

function is deactivated.

Without mild hybrid technology:

In case of a steering operation.

▷

LED off: Auto Start/Stop function is ena-

bled.

▷

When changing selector lever position from

D or P.

In case of seriously discharged vehicle bat-

tery.

Via selector lever position

The Auto Start/Stop function is also disabled

in selector lever position S.

When starting an oil level measurement.

Deactivating the system manually

Via the Driving Experience Control

The Auto Start/Stop function is also deacti-

vated in SPORT driving mode of the Driving

Experience Control.

Principle

In certain driving situations, e.g., traffic jams,

it may be helpful to deactivate Auto Start/

Stop manually. The engine will then no longer

switch off automatically.

Switching off the vehicle during an

automatic engine stop

If the engine stops automatically, the vehicle

can be parked safely, for example to leave it.

If this function is deactivated while the engine

is being stopped automatically, the engine will

start.

1. Press the Start/Stop button.

▷

Drive-ready state is switched off.

Standby state is switched on.

Selector lever position P is engaged au-

tomatically.

2. Set the parking brake.

Automatic deactivation

In certain situations, the Auto Start/Stop func-

tion is deactivated automatically for safety rea-

sons, for instance if no driver is detected.

117

Driving

CONTROLS

Parking position P

Malfunction

The Auto Start/Stop function no longer

switches off the engine automatically. A Check

Control message is displayed. You may con-

tinue driving. Have the vehicle checked by an

authorized service center or another qualified

service center or repair shop.

General information

Selector lever position, for instance for parking

the vehicle. The transmission blocks the drive

in selector lever position P.

Engage selector lever position P only when the

vehicle is stationary.

Steptronic transmission

P is engaged automatically

Selector lever position P is engaged automati-

cally in situations such as the following:

Principle

The Steptronic transmission is the vehicle's

automatic transmission. With shift paddles, it

offers the option of manual shifting if needed.

▷

After drive-ready state is switched off, if se-

lector lever position R, D, or S is engaged.

After standby is switched off, if selector

lever position N is engaged.

Safety information

The driver's seat belt is unbuckled and the

driver's door is opened while the vehicle is

stationary and selector lever position D, S,

or R is engaged.

Warning

An unsecured vehicle can begin to move and

possibly roll away. There is a risk of accident,

injury, or property damage. Before leaving

your vehicle, secure it against rolling away,

e.g., by applying the parking brake.

Before exiting the vehicle, make sure that se-

lector lever position P is engaged and the

parking brake is engaged. Otherwise, the vehi-

cle may begin to move.

Additional information:

Parking brake, refer to page 125.

Selector lever positions

Engaging selector lever positions

Gear position D

Selector lever position for normal driving. All

gears for forward travel are activated automat-

ically.

General information

To prevent the vehicle from creeping after you

select a gear position or reverse gear, main-

tain pressure on the brake pedal until you are

ready to drive off.

R reverse gear

Engage selector lever position R only when the

vehicle is stationary.

Functional requirements

Only when the drive-ready state is switched on

and the brake pedal is depressed is it possible

to change from selector lever position P to an-

other selector lever position.

N Neutral

The vehicle may be pushed or roll without

drive, for instance in car washes, in selector

lever position N.

The selection lever position P cannot be

changed until all technical prerequisites are

met.

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Driving

CONTROLS

Engaging selector lever position D, N,

R

Engaging selector lever position N

1. Fasten driver's seat belt.

NOTICE

2. Tilt or pull the selector lever into the desired

direction, past a resistance point, if needed.

The selector lever automatically returns to

the center position when released.

Selector lever position P is automatically en-

gaged when standby state is switched off.

The wheels are blocked. There is a risk

of damage to property. Do not switch off

standby if the vehicle is meant to coast, e.g.,

in a car wash.

1. Switch on drive-ready state while pressing

on the brake pedal.

2. If necessary, release the parking brake and

switch off Automatic Hold.

3. Depress the brake pedal.

4. Engage selector lever position N.

5. Switch off drive-ready state.

Engaging selector lever position P

In this way, standby state remains switched

on, and a Check Control message is dis-

played.

Press the button.

The parking brake is applied and the

transmission lock is engaged.

The vehicle can roll.

Selector lever position P is engaged automati-

cally after approximately 35 minutes.

If the system is not operational, you may not

be able to change the selector lever position.

Electronically unlock the transmission lock, if

needed.

Additional information:

Electronic unlocking of the transmission lock,

refer to page 120.

Press button P.

The transmission lock is engaged.

Kickdown

Kickdown is used to achieve maximum driving

performance.

Rolling or pushing the vehicle

Step on the accelerator pedal beyond the re-

sistance point at the full throttle position.

General information

In some situations, the vehicle is supposed to

roll without its own drive for a short distance,

for instance in a car wash or to be pushed.

119

Driving

CONTROLS

S Sport mode

Electronic unlocking of the

transmission lock

Principle

General information

Unlock the transmission lock electroni-

cally, e.g., to maneuver the vehicle out of a

hazardous area in the event of a malfunction.

The shifting points and shifting times in the

Sport program are designed for sportier han-

dling. The transmission, for instance shifts up

later and the shifting times are shorter.

Before unlocking the transmission lock, secure

the vehicle against rolling away, for instance

with a wheel chock.

Activating the Sport program

Engaging selector lever position N

1. Quickly press the Start/Stop button three

times without pressing the brake.

2. Depress the brake pedal.

3. Press the selector lever to position N until

position N is shown on the selector lever.

An appropriate Check Control message is

displayed.

Pull the selector lever from selector lever posi-

tion D to D/S.

4. Maneuver the vehicle from the hazardous

area and secure it against rolling away.

The engaged gear is displayed in the instru-

ment cluster, for instance S1.

The sport program of the transmission is acti-

vated.

Shift paddles

Ending the Sport program

Pull the selector lever to D/S.

Principle

The shift paddles on the steering wheel are

used to change gears manually.

D is displayed in the instrument cluster.

Displays in the instrument cluster

General information

The selector lever position is

displayed, for example P.

Shifting

The vehicle only shifts at suitable RPM and

road speeds.

Even in manual mode, the transmission shifts

automatically in certain situations, e.g., when

speed limits are reached.

Temporary manual mode

In selector lever position D, pulling a shift pad-

dle switches into manual mode temporarily.

120

Driving

CONTROLS

The engaged gear is also displayed in the in-

strument cluster, for instance D1.

The selected gear is briefly displayed in the in-

strument cluster, followed by the current gear.

After conservative driving in manual mode

without acceleration or shifting via the shift

paddles for a certain amount of time, the

transmission switches back to automatic

mode.

Advanced mode

General information

Depending on vehicle equipment, the Step-

tronic Sport transmission offers an advanced

mode with adapted shift characteristics.

It is possible to switch into automatic mode:

▷

Pull and hold the right shift paddle until D is

displayed in the instrument cluster.

▷

Automatic downshift to lowest possible

gear.

▷

In addition to the pulled right shift paddle,

pull the left shift paddle.

If the left shift paddle is pulled and held, the

Steptronic transmission automatically shifts

down to the lowest possible gear.

Continuous manual mode

In Sport program S, pulling a shift paddle

switches to manual mode M permanently.

Avoid automatic upshifting in manual

mode.

The engaged gear is displayed in the instru-

ment cluster, for instance M1.

In manual mode, the Steptronic transmis-

sion does not shift up automatically when

speed limits are reached.

It is possible to switch into automatic mode:

▷

Pull and hold the right shift paddle until S is

displayed on the instrument cluster.

There is no downshifting for kickdown.

Enabling advanced mode

Advanced mode is active in manual mode.

In addition to the pulled right shift paddle,

pull the left shift paddle.

Pull the selector lever to D/S.

"SPORT": The driving mode must be selected

and configured depending on vehicle equip-

ment.

When M2 is set manually while the vehicle is

stationary, the transmission will no longer shift

back to M1. This shift behavior is maintained

until M1 is engaged manually or manual mode

M is exited.

Launch Control

Shifting

Principle

Launch Control enables optimum acceleration

on roads with good traction under dry sur-

rounding conditions.

General information

Using Launch Control causes premature com-

ponent wear since this function represents a

very heavy load for the vehicle.

Do not turn the steering wheel when driving off

with Launch Control.

▷

Upshifting: pull the right shift paddle.

Downshifting: pull left shift paddle.

121

Driving

CONTROLS

Do not use Launch Control when breaking in

the vehicle.

After using Launch Control

To support driving stability, reactivate Dynamic

Stability Control as soon as possible.

Additional information:

Break-in, refer to page 270.

System limits

An experienced driver may be able to achieve

better acceleration values in DSC OFF without

Launch Control mode.

Functional requirement

Launch Control can be used when the engine

is at operating temperature. The engine is at

operating temperature after an uninterrupted

trip of at least 6 miles/10 km.

Steptronic Sport

transmission: sprint function

Driving off with Launch Control

1. Turn on drive-ready state.

Principle

Depending on the equipment, the Sprint func-

tion can be used for an upcoming acceleration

process. The Sprint function prepares the driv-

etrain for the acceleration process.

2.

Press the button.

3. Activate TRACTION on the control display.

4. Engage selector lever position S.

5. With the left foot, press down forcefully on

the brake.

General information

When the Sprint function is activated, the re-

sponse characteristics of the vehicle will be-

come more dynamic.

6. Press and hold down the accelerator pedal

beyond the resistance point at the full throt-

tle position, kickdown.

A destination flag is displayed in the instru-

ment cluster.

Activating

1. Keep the left shift paddle pulled until

SPRINT is displayed in the instrument clus-

ter.

7. The starting engine speed adjusts. Wait

briefly until the engine speed is constant.

Keep the accelerator pedal in this position.

8. Release the brake within a few seconds of

the destination flag illuminating.

▷

The transmission shifts down to the

lowest possible gear and switches to

manual operation M.

The vehicle accelerates.

▷

A dynamic setting has been activated

for the drivetrain.

Upshifting is performed automatically as

long as the destination flag is displayed

and the accelerator pedal is not released.

2. Change gears manually.

Repeated use during a trip

Automatic deactivation

After Launch Control has been used, the trans-

mission must cool down for a short time before

Launch Control can be used again. Launch

Control adjusts to the surrounding conditions

when used again.

The Sprint function is ended automatically

when driving moderately for a defined period

of time.

122

Driving

CONTROLS

Manual deactivation

Button

Driving mode

▷

Keep the right shift paddle pulled until

SPRINT is no longer displayed in the instru-

ment cluster.

SPORT

SPORT PLUS

SPORT INDIVIDUAL

▷

In addition to the pulled right shift paddle,

pull the left shift paddle.

COMFORT

Press the selector lever from selector lever

position S to D.

ECO PRO

ECO PRO INDIVIDUAL

Driving Experience Control

Displays in the instrument cluster

Principle

The Driving Experience Control influences,

among other things, the vehicle's driving dy-

namics.

The selected driving mode is

displayed in the instrument clus-

ter.

The vehicle can be adjusted depending on the

situation using various driving modes.

Activating/deactivating drive modes

Press the button for the desired drive mode

repeatedly until the desired drive mode is dis-

played in the instrument cluster.

General information

The following systems may be affected, for in-

stance:

▷

Drivetrain.

When changing the drive mode, the current

drive mode is deactivated.

Chassis.

Steering.

Driving modes in detail

Display in the instrument cluster.

Cruise control.

COMFORT

The COMFORT driving mode is a balanced

setting between sporty and consumption-opti-

mized driving.

Overview

Buttons in the vehicle

SPORT

The SPORT driving mode is a dynamic setting

for more agility with an optimized suspension.

SPORT PLUS

The SPORT PLUS driving mode is a dynamic

setting for maximum agility with an adjusted

drive.

123

Driving

CONTROLS

ECO PRO

In ECO PRO driving mode, consumption is op-

timized.

Safety information

Warning

People or animals in the vehicle can lock the

doors from the inside and lock themselves in.

In this case, the vehicle cannot be opened

from the outside. There is a risk of injury.

Take the vehicle key with you so that the ve-

hicle can be opened from the outside.

INDIVIDUAL configuration

General information

For some driving modes, there is another

mode that can be adjusted individually.

The individual configuration set last is acti-

vated directly when the driving mode is called

up again.

Warning

For some national-market versions, unlock-

ing from the inside is only possible with par-

ticular knowledge.

Configuring and resetting

E.g., ECO PRO INDIVIDUAL drive mode:

If persons or animals spend a lengthy time

in the vehicle and are thereby exposed to ex-

treme temperatures, there is a risk of injury

or danger to life. Do not lock the vehicle from

the outside when there are people or animals

in it. Do not leave babies, toddlers or animals

alone in the vehicle.

1.

Apps menu

2. "Vehicle"

3. "Driving settings"

4. "Drivetrain and chassis"

5. "ECO PRO INDIVIDUAL"

6. Select the desired setting.

Reset ECO PRO INDIVIDUAL to the standard

settings:

My Programs in detail

"Reset to ECO PRO STANDARD"

My Pro-

grams

Description

Enabling INDIVIDUAL

Press the button for the desired driving mode

several times.

"REAR

This program creates an at-

SEAT VIEW" mosphere that encourages

sleep for children in the rear.

My Programs

Activating/deactivating My

Programs

Principle

1.

Apps menu

Various vehicle functions in the vehicle interior

are adapted to each other in a program.

2. "All apps"

3. "REAR SEAT VIEW"

When a program is selected, for example, the

interior lighting, climate control, and music se-

lection are adjusted.

124

Driving

CONTROLS

Overview

Parking brake

Button in the vehicle

Principle

The parking brake is used to prevent the vehi-

cle from rolling away when it is parked.

Safety information

Warning

An unsecured vehicle can begin to move and

possibly roll away. There is a risk of accident,

injury, or property damage. Before leaving

the vehicle, secure the vehicle against rolling

away.

Parking brake

In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured

against rolling away, follow the following:

Setting the parking brake

▷

Set the parking brake.

With a stationary vehicle

On uphill grades or on downhill slopes,

turn the front wheels in the direction of

the curb.

Pull the switch.

The LED illuminates.

▷

On uphill grades or on downhill slopes,

also secure the vehicle, for instance with

a wheel chock.

The indicator light in the instrument

cluster illuminates red.

The parking brake is set.

Warning

While driving

Unattended children or animals in the vehicle

can cause the vehicle to move and endanger

themselves and traffic, for example, due to

the following actions:

Use while driving serves as an emergency

braking function.

Pull the switch and hold it. The vehicle

brakes hard while the switch is being

pulled.

▷

Establishing standby.

Releasing the parking brake.

The indicator light in the instrument

cluster illuminates red, a signal sounds,

and the brake lights illuminate.

Opening and closing the doors or win-

dows.

▷

Engaging selector lever position N.

Using vehicle equipment.

A Check Control message is displayed.

There is a risk of accident, injury, or property

damage. Do not leave children or animals un-

attended in the vehicle. Take the vehicle key

with you when exiting and lock the vehicle.

The parking brake is engaged when the vehi-

cle is stationary.

125

Driving

CONTROLS

With Emergency Stop Assistant

1. Turn on standby state.

Briefly pull the switch to trigger the

Emergency Stop Assistant.

2.

Pull the switch while stepping on the

brake pedal or selector lever position P is

set and then push.

Additional information:

Emergency Stop Assistant, refer to page 183.

This process may take a few seconds. Some

mechanical sounds associated with this proc-

ess are normal.

Releasing the parking brake

The indicator light is no longer illumi-

nated as soon as the parking brake is

ready for operation again.

Releasing the parking brake manually

1. Turn on drive-ready state.

2.

Press the switch while stepping on

the brake pedal or selector lever position P

is set.

Automatic Hold

The LED and the indicator light go out.

The parking brake is released.

Principle

Automatic Hold assists the driver by automat-

ically applying and releasing the brake, for ex-

ample, in stop-and-go traffic.

Releasing the parking brake

automatically

The parking brake is released automatically

when you drive off.

The vehicle is automatically held in place when

it is stationary.

On uphill grades the system prevents the vehi-

cle from rolling back when driving off.

The LED and the indicator light go out.

Malfunction

If the parking brake fails or malfunctions, se-

cure the vehicle so that it does not roll away

before you exit.

General information

The parking brake is automatically engaged

under the following conditions:

▷

If drive-ready state is turned off.

A Check Control message is displayed.

If the driver’s door is opened while the vehi-

cle is stationary.

Secure the vehicle against rolling away, for in-

stance with a wheel chock, after getting out of

the vehicle.

▷

If the parking brake is used to brake the

vehicle to a stop while driving.

After a power interruption

To reestablish parking brake operability after

a power interruption, an initialization may be

required.

Safety information

Warning

An unsecured vehicle can begin to move and

possibly roll away. There is a risk of accident,

injury, or property damage. Before leaving

the vehicle, secure the vehicle against rolling

away.

126

Driving

CONTROLS

In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured

against rolling away, follow the following:

Overview

▷

Set the parking brake.

Button in the vehicle

On uphill grades or on downhill slopes,

turn the front wheels in the direction of

the curb.

▷

On uphill grades or on downhill slopes,

also secure the vehicle, for instance with

a wheel chock.

Warning

Unattended children or animals in the vehicle

can cause the vehicle to move and endanger

themselves and traffic, for example, due to

the following actions:

Automatic Hold

Activating Automatic Hold

1. Turn on drive-ready state.

▷

Establishing standby.

Releasing the parking brake.

Opening and closing the doors or win-

dows.

2.

Press the button.

▷

Engaging selector lever position N.

Using vehicle equipment.

The LED illuminates.

The indicator light illuminates green.

Automatic Hold is activated.

There is a risk of accident, injury, or property

damage. Do not leave children or animals un-

attended in the vehicle. Take the vehicle key

with you when exiting and lock the vehicle.

After every vehicle restart, the last se-

lected setting is active.

Automatic Hold holding the vehicle

Automatic Hold is activated and the driver’s

door is closed.

NOTICE

If the vehicle is stationary, Automatic Hold

engages the parking brake and prevents the

vehicle from rolling in a car wash. There is a

risk of damage to property. Deactivate Auto-

matic Hold prior to entering the car wash.

After stopping, the vehicle is automat-

ically secured against rolling away as

soon as the indicator light illuminates

green.

Driving off

Press the accelerator pedal to drive off.

The brake is released automatically and the

indicator light of the parking brake is no longer

illuminated.

127

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Automatic parking brake application

The parking brake is automatically set if drive-

ready state is switched off while the vehicle is

being held by Automatic Hold or if the vehicle

is exited.

The indicator light changes from green

to red.

The parking brake is not set automatically if

the drive-ready state was switched off while

the vehicle was coasting. Automatic Hold is

temporarily deactivated in this case.

Deactivate Automatic Hold

Press the button.

The LED goes out.

The indicator light goes out.

Automatic Hold is switched off.

If the vehicle is being held by Automatic Hold,

also press on the brake pedal when switching

off.

128

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