Get CONTROLS -> Driving Guide for BMW M4 2 Door Second Generation (2021-2025)

Driving

CONTROLS

Driving

3. Release the parking brake.

4. Drive away.

Vehicle features and

options

This chapter describes all standard, country-spe‐

cific and optional features offered with the series.

It also describes features and functions that are

not necessarily available in your vehicle, e.g., due

to the selected options or country versions. This

also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐

tems. When using these functions and systems,

the applicable laws and regulations must be ob‐

served.

Auto Start/Stop function

Principle

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 en‐

gine starts automatically for driving off.

General information

Start/Stop button

After each engine start using the Start/Stop but‐

ton, the Auto Start/Stop function is ready. The

function is activated from speeds of approx.

3 mph/5 km/h.

Principle

Pressing the Start/Stop button

switches drive-ready state on or

off.

Engine stop

Manual transmission: the drive-

ready state is switched on when

Functional requirements

you depress the clutch pedal while pressing the

Start/Stop button.

Manual transmission

The engine is switched off automatically during a

stop under the following conditions:

M Steptronic Sport transmission: the drive-ready

state is switched on when you depress the brake

pedal while pressing the Start/Stop button.

▷ Neutral is engaged and the clutch pedal is

not pressed.

Pressing the Start/Stop button again switches

the drive-ready state back off and standby state

is switched back on.

▷ The driver's safety belt is buckled or the driv‐

er's door is closed.

Additional information:

M Steptronic Sport transmission

▷ Drive-ready state, refer to page 42.

▷ Standby state, refer to page 42.

The engine is switched off automatically during a

stop under the following conditions:

Driving away

1. Turn on drive readiness.

2. Apply gear position.

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Driving

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▷ The selector lever is in selector lever position

D.

Indications on the Control Display

Total time with switched-off engine

▷ The brake pedal remains depressed while the

vehicle is stationary or the vehicle is held by

Automatic Hold.

The total time for which the Auto Start/Stop

function has switched off the engine is displayed

in the trip data.

▷ The driver's safety belt is buckled or the driv‐

er's door is closed.

The total time is automatically reset every time

the vehicle is refueled.

M Steptronic Sport transmission:

manual engine stop

Functional limitations

If the engine was not switched off automatically

when the vehicle stopped, the engine can be

switched off manually:

The engine is not switched off automatically in

the following situations:

▷ In case of a steep downhill grade.

▷ Brake not engaged strongly enough.

▷ Depress the brake pedal forcefully again from

the current pedal position.

▷ The outside temperature is high and auto‐

matic climate control is running.

▷ Engage selector lever position P.

When all functional preconditions are fulfilled, the

engine switches off.

▷ The car's interior has not yet been heated or

cooled to the required level.

▷ Where there is a risk of window condensation

when the automatic climate control is

switched on.

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.

▷ Engine or other parts not at operating tem‐

perature.

▷ Engine cooling is required.

Displays in the instrument cluster

▷ The wheels are at a sharp angle or the steer‐

ing wheel is being turned.

General information

▷ Vehicle battery is heavily discharged.

▷ At higher elevations.

The display in the instrument

cluster indicates that the Auto

Start/Stop function is ready for an

automatic engine start.

▷ Hood is unlocked.

▷ The Automatic Parking Assistant is activated.

▷ Stop-and-go traffic.

The display indicates that the

conditions for an automatic en‐

gine stop have not been met.

▷ M Steptronic Sport transmission: selector

lever position in N or R.

▷ After driving in reverse.

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▷ In case of a risk of window condensation

when the automatic climate control is turned

on.

Starting the engine

Functional requirements

Manual transmission

▷ In case of a steering operation.

▷ M Steptronic Sport transmission:

The engine starts automatically under the follow‐

ing preconditions:

When changing from gear lever position D to

N or R.

▷ By pressing the clutch pedal.

▷ M Steptronic Sport transmission:

When changing from gear lever position P to

N, D, or R.

M Steptronic Sport transmission

The engine starts automatically under the follow‐

ing preconditions:

▷ In case of seriously discharged vehicle bat‐

tery.

▷ By releasing the brake pedal.

▷ When starting an oil level measurement.

▷ When Automatic Hold is activated: step on

the accelerator pedal.

Additional functions Auto Start/

Stop

Driving off

Depending on the vehicle equipment and coun‐

try-specific version, the vehicle features a variety

of sensors for assessing the traffic situation. The

Auto Start/Stop function uses this information to

adapt to various traffic situations in a proactive

manner.

After the engine starts, accelerate as usual.

Safety mode

After the engine switches off automatically, it will

not start again automatically if any one of the fol‐

lowing conditions are met:

For instance, this applies to the following situa‐

tions:

▷ The driver's safety belt is unbuckled and the

driver's door is open.

▷ When a situation is detected in which the

stopping time is expected to be very short,

the engine is not switched off automatically.

A message appears on the Control Display,

depending on the situation.

▷ Hood was unlocked.

Some indicator lights light up for a varied length

of time.

The engine can only be started via the Start/Stop

button.

▷ When a situation is detected in which the ve‐

hicle needs to drive off immediately, the en‐

gine is started automatically.

System limits

The function may be restricted if the navigation

data is invalid, outdated or not available, for ex‐

ample.

Even if driving off was not intended, the deacti‐

vated engine starts up automatically in the fol‐

lowing situations:

▷ In case of excessive warming of the interior

when air conditioning is turned on.

Activating/deactivating the

system manually

▷ In case of excessive cooling of the interior

when the heating is turned on.

Principle

The engine is not automatically switched off.

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The engine is started during an automatic engine

stop.

▷ Drive-ready state is switched off.

▷ Standby state is switched on.

▷ Selector lever position P is engaged auto‐

matically.

Via button

2. Set the parking brake.

Automatic deactivation

General information

In certain situations, the Auto Start/Stop function

is deactivated automatically for safety reasons,

for instance if no driver is detected.

Press the button.

Malfunction

The Auto Start/Stop function no longer switches

off the engine automatically. A Check Control

message is displayed. It is possible to continue

driving. Have the system checked by a dealer's

service center or another qualified service center

or repair shop.

Display

▷ LED comes on: auto Start/Stop function is

deactivated.

▷ LED goes out: auto Start/Stop function is ac‐

tivated.

Parking brake

Switching off the vehicle during

an automatic engine stop

Principle

The parking brake is used to prevent the vehicle

from rolling when it is parked.

General information

During an automatic engine stop, the vehicle can

be switched off permanently, for instance when

leaving it.

Safety information

Manual transmission

Warning

1. Press the Start/Stop button.

▷ Drive-ready state is switched off.

▷ Standby state is switched on.

2. Shift into first gear or reverse.

3. Set the parking brake.

An unsecured vehicle can begin to move and

possibly roll away. There is a risk of accident.

Before exiting, secure the vehicle against roll‐

ing.

In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured

against rolling away, follow the following:

M Steptronic Sport transmission

1. Press the Start/Stop button.

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▷ Set the parking brake.

Setting

▷ On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,

turn the front wheels in the direction of the

curb.

With a stationary vehicle

Pull the switch.

▷ On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,

also secure the vehicle, for instance with a

wheel chock.

The LED lights up.

The indicator light in the instrument clus‐

ter illuminates red. The parking brake is

set.

Warning

Unattended children or animals in the vehicle

can cause the vehicle to move and endanger

themselves and traffic, for instance due to the

following actions:

While driving

General information

To use as emergency brake while driving.

▷ Pressing the Start/Stop button.

▷ Releasing the parking brake.

Pull the switch and hold it. The vehicle

brakes hard while the switch is being

pulled.

▷ Opening and closing the doors or win‐

dows.

▷ Engaging selector lever position N.

▷ Using vehicle equipment.

The indicator light in the instrument clus‐

ter illuminates red, a signal sounds, and

the brake lights illuminate.

There is a risk of accidents or injuries. Do not

leave children or animals unattended in the ve‐

hicle. Take the vehicle key with you when exit‐

ing and lock the vehicle.

A Check Control message is displayed.

The parking brake is engaged when the vehicle

is stationary.

With Emergency Stop Assistant

Overview

Pull the switch briefly to activate the emer‐

gency stop function.

Additional information:

Emergency Stop Assistant, refer to page 204.

Releasing

Releasing manually

1. Turn on drive readiness.

Parking brake

2.

Manual transmission: press the switch

while the brake pedal is pressed.

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▷ Set the parking brake.

M Steptronic Sport transmission: press

the switch while the brake is pressed or se‐

lector lever position P is set.

▷ On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,

turn the front wheels in the direction of the

curb.

The LED and indicator light turn off.

The parking brake is released.

▷ On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,

also secure the vehicle, for instance with a

wheel chock.

Automatic release

The parking brake is released automatically

when you drive away.

Warning

Unattended children or animals in the vehicle

can cause the vehicle to move and endanger

themselves and traffic, for instance due to the

following actions:

The LED and indicator light turn off.

M Steptronic Sport transmission:

Automatic Hold

▷ Pressing the Start/Stop button.

▷ Releasing the parking brake.

Principle

Automatic Hold assists the driver by automati‐

cally setting and releasing the brake, such as

when moving in stop-and-go traffic.

▷ Opening and closing the doors or win‐

dows.

▷ Engaging selector lever position N.

▷ Using vehicle equipment.

The vehicle is automatically held in place when it

is stationary.

There is a risk of accidents or injuries. Do not

leave children or animals unattended in the ve‐

hicle. Take the vehicle key with you when exit‐

ing and lock the vehicle.

On uphill grades the system prevents the vehicle

from rolling back when driving off.

General information

Under the following conditions, the parking brake

is automatically engaged:

NOTICE

▷ Drive-ready state is switched off.

If the vehicle is stationary, Automatic Hold en‐

gages the parking brake and prevents the vehi‐

cle from rolling in a car wash. There is a risk of

damage to property, among other potential

damage. Deactivate Automatic Hold prior to

entering the car wash.

▷ The driver's door is opened while the vehicle

is stationary.

▷ The moving vehicle is brought to a standstill

using the parking brake.

Safety information

Warning

An unsecured vehicle can begin to move and

possibly roll away. There is a risk of accident.

Before exiting, secure the vehicle against roll‐

ing.

In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured

against rolling away, follow the following:

134

Driving

CONTROLS

being held by Automatic Hold or if the vehicle is

exited.

Overview

The indicator light changes from green

to red.

The parking brake is not set automatically, if the

drive-ready state is switched off, while the vehi‐

cle is coasting to a halt. Automatic Hold is deacti‐

vated.

Switching operational readiness off

Automatic Hold

Press the button.

The LED goes out.

Establishing operational readiness

of Automatic Hold

The indicator light goes out.

1. Turn on drive readiness.

Automatic Hold is switched off.

2.

Press the button.

The LED lights up.

If the vehicle is being held by Automatic Hold,

press additionally on the brake pedal, when

switching off.

The indicator light lights up green.

Automatic Hold is functional.

Malfunction

If the parking brake fails or in case of a fault, se‐

cure the vehicle against rolling before exiting.

After every vehicle restart, the last se‐

lected setting is active.

A Check Control message is displayed.

Automatic Hold holding the vehicle

Operational readiness is established and the

driver's door is closed.

Secure the vehicle against rolling away, for in‐

stance with a wheel chock, after exiting the vehi‐

cle.

After the brake is applied, the vehicle is

kept from rolling as soon as the indicator

light illuminates green.

After a power interruption

To reestablish parking brake functionality after a

power interruption:

Driving off

Press the accelerator pedal to drive off.

1. Turn on standby state.

The brake is released automatically and the indi‐

cator light of the parking brake is no longer illumi‐

nated.

2.

Pull the switch while stepping on the

brake pedal or selector lever position P is set

and then push.

This process may take a few seconds. Some

mechanical sounds associated with this process

are normal.

Activating the parking brake

automatically

The parking brake is automatically set if drive-

ready state is switched off while the vehicle is

135

Driving

CONTROLS

The indicator light is no longer illumi‐

nated as soon as the parking brake is

ready for operation again.

High beams,

headlight flasher

Press the lever forward or pull it backward.

Turn signal

Turn signal in exterior mirror

When driving and during operation of the turn

signals or hazard warning system, do not fold in

the exterior mirrors, so that the signal lights on

the exterior mirror are easy to see.

Blinking

▷ High beams on, arrow 1.

The high beams light up when the low beams

are switched on.

▷ High beams off/headlight flasher, arrow 2.

Window wiper system

General information

Do not use the wipers if the windshield is dry, as

this may damage the wiper blades or cause them

to become worn more quickly.

Press the lever past the resistance point.

Triple turn signal activation

Lightly tap the lever up or down.

Safety information

The triple turn signal duration can be adjusted.

1. "CAR"

Warning

2. "Settings"

If the wipers start moving in the folded away

state, body parts can be jammed or damage

may occur to parts of the vehicle. There is a risk

of injury or risk of damage to property. Make

sure that the vehicle is switched off when the

wipers are in the folded away state and the wip‐

ers are folded in when switching on.

3. "Exterior lighting"

4. "One-touch turn signal"

5. Select the desired setting.

Brief blinking

Press the lever to the resistance point and hold it

there for as long as you want the turn signal to

flash.

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▷ Turn off: press the lever down until it reaches

the 0 position.

NOTICE

▷ Flick wipe: press the lever down from the 0

position.

If the wipers are frozen to the windshield, the

wiper blades can be torn off and the wiper mo‐

tor can overheat when switching on. There is a

risk of damage to property, among other poten‐

tial damage. Defrost the windshield prior to

switching the wipers on.

The lever automatically returns to its 0 posi‐

tion when released.

Rain sensor

Principle

The rain sensor automatically controls the time

between wipes depending on the intensity of the

rainfall.

Turn on window wiper system

General information

The sensor is located on the windshield, directly

in front of the interior mirror.

Safety information

Press the lever up until the desired position is

reached.

NOTICE

If the rain sensor is activated, the wipers can

accidentally start moving in vehicle washes.

There is a risk of damage to property, among

other potential damage. Deactivate the rain

sensor in vehicle washes.

▷ Resting position of the wipers, position 0.

▷ Rain sensor, position 1.

▷ Normal wiper speed, position 2.

▷ Fast wiper speed, position 3.

When the journey is interrupted with the window

wiper system turned on: when the journey con‐

tinues, the wipers resume at their previous

speed.

Activate rain sensor

Turn off the window wiper

system and flick wipe

Press the lever up once from its 0 position, ar‐

row 1.

Wiping operation is started.

The LED in the wiper lever is illuminated.

Press the lever down.

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In frosty conditions, wiping operation may not

start.

Cleaning the windshield

Deactivate rain sensor

Press the lever back into the 0 position.

Adjusting the rain sensor sensitivity

Pull the lever.

The washer fluid is sprayed onto the windshield

directly in front of the wiper blade when the

wiper moves upward.

Fold-away position of the wipers

Principle

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

out from the windshield, which is important, for

instance, when changing the wiper blades or for

folding away under frosty conditions.

Turn the thumbwheel to adjust the sensitivity of

the rain sensor.

Upward: high rain sensor sensitivity.

Downward: low rain sensor sensitivity.

Windshield washer system

Safety information

Warning

If the wipers start moving in the folded away

state, body parts can be jammed or damage

may occur to parts of the vehicle. There is a risk

of injury or risk of damage to property. Make

sure that the vehicle is switched off when the

wipers are in the folded away state and the wip‐

ers are folded in when switching on.

The washer fluid can freeze onto the window at

low temperatures and obstruct the view. There

is a risk of accident. Only use the washer sys‐

tems, if the washer fluid cannot freeze. Use

washer fluid with antifreeze, if needed.

NOTICE

When the washer fluid reservoir is empty, the

wash pump cannot work as intended. There is

a risk of damage to property, among other po‐

tential damage. Do not use the washer system

when the washer fluid reservoir is empty.

NOTICE

If the wipers are frozen to the windshield, the

wiper blades can be torn off and the wiper mo‐

tor can overheat when switching on. There is a

risk of damage to property, among other poten‐

tial damage. Defrost the windshield prior to

switching the wipers on.

138

Driving

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Folding out the wipers

1. Turn on standby state.

Manual transmission

Safety information

Warning

2. Press and hold the wiper lever down, until the

wipers stop in a close to vertical position.

An unsecured vehicle can begin to move and

possibly roll away. There is a risk of accident.

Before exiting, secure the vehicle against roll‐

ing.

In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured

against rolling away, follow the following:

▷ Set the parking brake.

3. Fold the wipers all the way out from the wind‐

shield.

▷ On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,

turn the front wheels in the direction of the

curb.

▷ On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,

also secure the vehicle, for instance with a

wheel chock.

NOTICE

When shifting to a lower gear, excessive RPM

can damage the engine. There is a risk of dam‐

age to property, among other potential dam‐

age. When shifting into 5th or 6th gear, press

the gearshift lever to the right.

Folding down the wipers

1. Fold the wipers back down onto the wind‐

shield.

2. Switch on standby state and press and hold

the wiper lever down again.

Schematic diagram

Wipers return to their resting position and are

ready again for operation.

▷ 1–6: forward gears.

▷ R: reverse gear.

139

Driving

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▷ Various driving programs: Drive mode or se‐

quential mode.

Shifting

Gear Shift Assistant

▷ Low Speed Assistant.

▷ Various Drivelogic programs.

▷ Launch Control.

When the Gear Shift Assistant is activated, the

rpm will be adjusted automatically during a shift‐

ing operation for a fast gear change.

▷ Upshifting display, Shift lights.

The system is automatically active when the ve‐

hicle is turned on.

Safety information

The Gear Shift Assistant can be configured via

the M menu and deactivated/activated via the

SETUP setting.

Warning

An unsecured vehicle can begin to move and

possibly roll away. There is a risk of accident.

Before exiting, secure the vehicle against roll‐

ing, for instance with the parking brake.

Additional information:

M menu, refer to page 210.

Reverse gear

Select only when the vehicle is stationary.

Overview

To overcome the resistance push the gearshift

lever dynamically to the left and engage reverse

gear with a forward shifting movement.

Selector lever

Rolling or pushing the vehicle

In some situations, the vehicle is to roll without

its own power, for instance in a car wash, or be

pushed.

1. Turn on standby state.

2. Press on the clutch pedal and shift out of a

forward gear or reverse.

3. Release the parking brake.

Selector lever functions

M Steptronic Sport

transmission

Icon

Function

Drivelogic programs

Reverse gear.

Neutral.

R

N

General information

The M Steptronic Sport transmission is operated

via the selector lever or the two shift paddles on

the steering wheel.

Center position, forward posi‐

tion.

The following functions are available:

-

Downshifting, manual.

Upshifting, manual.

+

140

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CONTROLS

Engaging a selector lever

position

Icon

D/S

P

Function

Drive mode or sequential mode.

Parking.

General information

To prevent the vehicle from creeping after you

select a gear position, maintain pressure on the

brake pedal until you are ready to start.

Selector lever positions

D is Drive mode

Selector lever position for driving. All gears for

forward travel are activated automatically.

The engaged selector lever position is displayed

in the instrument cluster and on the selector

lever.

Functional requirements

S is Sequential mode

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 another

selector lever position.

Selector lever position for driving. All gears for

forward travel must be shifted manually.

R is reverse

Engage selector lever position R only when the

vehicle is stationary.

Engaging selector lever position

D/S, N, R

N is Neutral

In selector lever position N, the vehicle may be

pushed or roll without power, for instance, in car

washes.

P Park

Selector lever position, for instance for parking

the vehicle. The transmission blocks the drive

wheels in selector lever position P.

With the driver's safety belt fastened, press on

the brake pedal and pull or push the selector

lever in the required direction. The selector lever

automatically returns to the center position when

released.

Engage selector lever position P only when the

vehicle is stationary.

Selector lever position P is engaged automati‐

cally in situations such as the following:

▷ After the drive-ready state or standby state is

switched off and selector lever position D/S

or R is engaged.

In selector lever position R, the selector lever

locks.

▷ After the standby state has been switched off

when selector lever position N is engaged.

▷ If the driver's safety belt is unbuckled, the

driver's door is opened, and the brake pedal

is not depressed while the vehicle is station‐

ary and selector lever position D/S or R is en‐

gaged.

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Selector lever position P is engaged automati‐

cally after approximately 35 minutes.

Engaging selector lever position P

If there is a malfunction, you may not be able to

change the selector lever position.

Electronically unlock the transmission lock, if

needed.

Kickdown

Kickdown is used to achieve maximum drive

power in Drive mode.

Press button P.

Step on the accelerator pedal beyond the resist‐

ance point at the full throttle position.

Rolling or pushing the vehicle

General information

In some situations, the vehicle is to roll without

its own power for a short distance, for instance in

a car wash, or be pushed.

Drive mode D/S

Principle

In Drive mode, all forward gears are automatically

changed.

Activating Drive mode

Engaging selector lever position N

NOTICE

Selector lever position P is automatically en‐

gaged when standby state is switched off.

There is a risk of damage to property, among

other potential damage. Do not switch standby

state off in car washes.

1. Switch on drive-ready state while pressing on

the brake pedal.

Push the selector lever out of the center position

in the D/S direction.

2. If necessary, release the parking brake.

3. If necessary, deactivate Automatic Hold.

Automatic Hold, refer to page 134.

4. Depress the brake pedal.

Drive mode is activated. The engaged gear is

displayed in the instrument cluster along with a

D, e.g., 1 D.

5. Engage selector lever position N.

6. Switch off drive-ready state.

Deactivating Drive mode

Push the selector lever out of Drive mode in the

D/S direction. Sequential mode is activated.

In this way, standby state remains switched

on, and a Check Control message is dis‐

played.

The engaged gear is displayed in the instrument

cluster, e.g., 1.

The vehicle can roll.

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Sequential mode D/S

Principle

Gear change

Principle

In sequential mode, it is possible to shift gears

manually using the selector lever or the shift pad‐

dles without letting off the gas.

Manual gear-shifting is possible via the shift pad‐

dles or the selector lever in sequential mode.

The shift paddles on the steering wheel allow

you to shift gears quickly while keeping both

hands on the steering wheel.

General information

Shortly before falling below a gear-dependent

minimum speed, the transmission is automati‐

cally downshifted.

General information

Shifting

Once the maximum engine speed is attained,

upshifting is not automatically performed in se‐

quential mode and the kickdown is deactivated.

Gears will only be shifted at appropriate engine

and road speeds; for instance, downshifting is

not possible if the engine speed is too high.

It is also possible to start out in 2nd gear; for in‐

stance, on icy roads.

The lowest possible gear is selected by simulta‐

neously operating the kickdown and moving the

selector lever forward or actuating the left shift

paddle.

Activating sequential mode

Temporary sequential mode

After a shift paddle is actuated in Drive mode, the

system temporarily switches to sequential mode.

After conservative driving in sequential mode

without acceleration or shifting via the shift pad‐

dles for a certain amount of time, the transmis‐

sion switches back to Drive mode.

Push the selector lever out of Drive mode in the

D/S direction, arrow 1, or shift via the selector

lever, arrows at 2.

Permanent sequential mode

Sequential mode remains permanently active if it

was active before the shift paddle was actuated.

Sequential mode is activated. The engaged gear

is displayed in the instrument cluster, e.g., 1.

Switching to Drive mode

It is possible to switch to Drive mode as follows:

pull and hold the right shift paddle.

Deactivating sequential mode

Push the selector lever out of the center position

in the D/S direction. Drive mode is activated.

Switching via the selector lever

The engaged gear is displayed in the instrument

cluster along with a D, e.g., 1 D.

▷ To shift up: pull the selector lever rearwards.

▷ To shift down: press the selector lever for‐

ward.

A shift in Drive mode causes a switch to Sequen‐

tial mode.

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Switching via the shift paddles

Low Speed Assistant

Principle

The Low Speed Assistant gives assistance at

very low speeds. The vehicle moves at walking

speed.

General information

Use the Low Speed Assistant for maneuvering or

in stop-and-go traffic.

▷ Shift up: pull right shift paddle.

▷ Shift down: pull left shift paddle.

The Low Speed Assistant can also be used for

rocking the vehicle in the snow. To do this,

change over between reverse gear and forward

gear without stepping on the brakes in the proc‐

ess.

Display on the selector lever

The actually engaged transmission position can

deviate from the selector lever position in some

situations. The display in the selector lever

flashes.

Activating

1. Switch on drive-ready state while pressing on

the brake pedal.

Observe the display in the instrument cluster in

these cases.

2. If necessary, release the parking brake.

3. If necessary, deactivate Automatic Hold.

4. Engage selector lever position D/S or R.

5. Release brake.

Displays in the instrument

cluster

In 1st and 2nd gear and in reverse, the vehicle

rolls at minimum speed.

Drive mode

▷ Engaged gear together with a

D, arrow 1.

Deactivating

▷ Selected Drivelogic program,

arrow 2.

Decelerate the vehicle to a stop.

Drivelogic

Principle

Drivelogic changes the gear-shifting characteris‐

tics of the M Steptronic Sport transmission.

For example, the shifting points are changed in

Drive mode and the shifting times in sequential

mode.

Sequential mode

▷ Gear shift indicator, arrow 1.

▷ Engaged gear, arrow 2.

▷ Selected Drivelogic program,

arrow 3.

Notice

General information

Three Drivelogic programs are available.

When the external temperature is very low, the

display may not work. Current driving direction is

recognizable at the engaged selector lever posi‐

tion.

144

Driving

CONTROLS

After each switch between Sequential mode and

Drive mode, the last program selected is an ac‐

tive.

4.

"Transmission"

5. Select the desired program

▷ "D1" to "D3": Drive mode.

If the drive-ready state is switched on after the

vehicle has been in the idle state and is in Drive

mode, the D1 program is activated.

▷ "S1" to "S3": sequential mode.

The setting is immediately applied with active

M1 or M2 configuration.

Programs

To activate the desired configuration with the se‐

lected settings, press the corresponding button

on the steering wheel:

Pro‐

gram

Drive mode

Efficient driving.

Fast driving.

Sequential

mode

▷

Comfortable shift‐

ing operations.

▷

D1/S1

D2/S2

D3/S3

Sporty, fast shift‐

ing operations.

Display in the instrument cluster

Sporty driving.

Maximum shifting

speed, Launch

Control.

The selected program corre‐

sponds to the number of illumi‐

nated fields.

Selecting a program

Electronic unlocking of the

transmission lock

Via the rocker switch on the selector lever

General information

Electronically unlock the transmission lock to

maneuver vehicle from a hazardous area.

Unlocking is possible, if the starter can crank the

engine.

Before unlocking the transmission lock, set the

parking brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling

away.

Press the rocker switch repeatedly until

the desired program is displayed in the

instrument cluster.

Engaging selector lever position N

1. Press and hold down brake pedal.

Via iDrive

2. Press the Start/Stop button. The starter must

audibly start. Hold the Start/Stop button

pressed.

It is possible to configure the required program

for buttons M1 or M2.

3. With your free hand, press and hold the se‐

lector lever in selector lever position N, until

selector lever position N is displayed in the in‐

strument cluster.

1. "CAR"

2.

"M menu"

3. "Configure M1" or "Configure M2"

145

Driving

CONTROLS

A Check Control message is displayed.

4. Release Start/Stop button and selector lever.

5. Release brake, as soon as the starter stops.

5. Press the accelerator pedal all the way down.

A destination flag is displayed in the instru‐

ment cluster.

Preparing Launch Control. An appropriate

Check Control message is displayed.

6. Maneuver the vehicle from the hazardous

area and secure it against rolling away.

Keep the accelerator pedal in this position.

Additional information:

6. The starting engine speed adjusts. With suffi‐

ciently high starting torque, the Launch Con‐

trol is active.

Tow-starting/towing, refer to page 365.

Launch Control

An appropriate Check Control message is

displayed.

Disengage the clutch quickly within approx.

6 seconds. The vehicle accelerates.

Principle

Launch Control enables optimum acceleration

on roads with good traction under dry surround‐

ing conditions.

7. Observe the Shift lights and upshift on time.

M Steptronic Sport transmission

1. Turn on drive readiness.

General information

The use of Launch Control causes premature

component wear since this function represents a

very heavy load for the vehicle.

2. Deactivate Dynamic Stability Control.

DSC Dynamic Stability Control, refer to

page 215.

Do not use Launch Control during the break-in.

3. Without xDrive: select sequential mode with

gear 2 and Drivelogic program S3.

Do not steer the steering wheel when driving off

with Launch Control.

With xDrive: select sequential mode with

gear 1 and Drivelogic program S3.

Additional information:

Breaking-in period, refer to page 308.

4. With your left foot, forcefully press down on

the brake.

Functional requirements

5. Press and hold down the accelerator pedal

beyond the resistance point at the full throttle

position, kickdown.

Launch Control is available when the engine is at

operating temperature. The engine is at operat‐

ing temperature after an uninterrupted trip of at

least 6 miles/10 km.

A destination flag is displayed in the instru‐

ment cluster.

Preparing Launch Control. An appropriate

Check Control message is displayed.

Start with launch control

Keep the accelerator pedal in this position.

Manual transmission

1. Turn on drive readiness.

2. Activate M Dynamic Mode.

M Dynamic Mode MDM, refer to page 217.

3. Step on the clutch pedal.

4. Engage first gear.

6. The starting engine speed adjusts. With suffi‐

ciently high starting torque, the Launch Con‐

trol is active.

An appropriate Check Control message is

displayed.

Now release the brake. The vehicle acceler‐

ates.

146

Driving

CONTROLS

Upshifting occurs automatically as long as the

destination flag is displayed and the accelera‐

tor pedal is not released.

Program

Response behavior

"EFFICIENT"

"SPORT"

Efficient, comfortable. Minimal

consumption.

Ideal, for instance in city traffic

or on snow.

Repeated use during a trip

After Launch Control has been used, it is neces‐

sary to drive a certain distance before Launch

Control can be used again. Launch Control ad‐

justs to the surrounding conditions, when used

again.

Sporty, dynamic.

"SPORT

PLUS"

Spontaneous, direct. Maxi‐

mum dynamics.

The "SPORT" and "SPORT PLUS" programs

change the sound characteristics of the exhaust

gas system. The sound takes on a sporty nature.

After using Launch Control

To increase driving stability, activate DSC Dy‐

namic Stability Control again as soon as possible.

Selecting a program

Using the button

System limits

Manual transmission: if drive-off is delayed, the

Launch Control is automatically terminated to

protect the engine.

The best acceleration figures are reached with

sport tires at operating temperature.

An experienced driver may be able to achieve

better acceleration values in DSC OFF mode.

M Engine Dynamics

Control

Press the button and select the desired

program on the Control Display.

Principle

The M Engine Dynamics Control affects the re‐

sponse of the vehicle to accelerator pedal move‐

ments.

Via iDrive

It is possible to configure the required program

for buttons M1 or M2.

1. "CAR"

General information

2.

3. "Configure M1" or "Configure M2"

4. "Engine"

"M menu"

The system offers several different types of en‐

gine response behavior:

5. Select the desired program.

The setting is immediately applied with active

M1 or M2 configuration.

147

Driving

CONTROLS

To activate the desired configuration with the se‐

lected settings, press the corresponding button

on the steering wheel:

Selecting a program

Using the button

▷

Display in the instrument cluster

When the display of the widget in the in‐

strument cluster for M SETUP is acti‐

vated, the selected program is displayed.

Press button to activate or deactivate the

sound control.

Additional information:

Widgets in the instrument cluster, refer to

page 151.

Depending on the equipment, a Check Control

message is displayed when the Sound Control is

turned on or an LED will illuminate in the button.

Sound control

Via iDrive

It is possible to configure the required program

for buttons M1 or M2.

Principle

The sound control function changes the sound

characteristics of the exhaust gas system.

1. "CAR"

2.

3. "Configure M1" or "Configure M2"

4. "Sound Control"

"M menu"

General information

When sound control is switched on, the sound of

the exhaust gas system takes on a sporty nature.

5. Select the desired program.

When sound control is switched off, the sound is

focused on comfort.

The setting is immediately applied with active

M1 or M2 configuration.

During the engine warm-up phase, sound control

does not have any effect on the sound of the ex‐

haust gas system.

To activate the desired configuration with the se‐

lected settings, press the corresponding button

on the steering wheel:

Additional information:

▷

High-performance engine, refer to page 306.

▷

148

CONTROLS -> Driving for Your BMW M4 2 Door Second Generation (2021-2025)

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