2017-2023 BMW M5 4 Door CONTROLS -> Driving User Manual
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CONTROLS -> Driving for Your BMW M5 4 Door Sixth Generation (2017-2023)

Driving  
CONTROLS  
Driving  
Vehicle features and  
options  
Auto Start/Stop function  
Principle  
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.  
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  
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.  
Start/Stop button  
Engine stop  
Principle  
Pressing the Start/Stop button  
switches drive-ready state on or  
off.  
Functional requirements  
M Steptronic Sport transmission  
Drive readiness is switched on  
when you depress the brake  
The engine is switched off automatically during a  
stop under the following conditions:  
pedal while pressing the Start/Stop button.  
▷ The selector lever is in selector lever position  
D.  
Pressing the Start/Stop button again switches  
the drive-ready state back off and standby state  
is switched back on.  
▷ The brake pedal remains depressed while the  
vehicle is stationary or the vehicle is held by  
Automatic Hold.  
Additional information:  
▷ The driver's safety belt is buckled or the driv‐  
er's door is closed.  
▷ Drive-ready state, refer to page 40.  
▷ Standby state, refer to page 40.  
M Steptronic Sport transmission:  
manual engine stop  
If the engine was not switched off automatically  
when the vehicle stopped, the engine can be  
switched off manually:  
Driving away  
1. Turn on drive readiness.  
2. Apply gear position.  
3. Release the parking brake.  
4. Drive away.  
▷ Depress the brake pedal forcefully again from  
the current pedal position.  
▷ Engage selector lever position P.  
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Driving  
CONTROLS  
When all functional preconditions are fulfilled, the  
engine switches off.  
▷ 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  
▷ Engine or other parts not at operating tem‐  
perature.  
The air flow from the air conditioning system is  
reduced when the engine is switched off.  
▷ Engine cooling is required.  
▷ The wheels are at a sharp angle or the steer‐  
ing wheel is being turned.  
Displays in the instrument cluster  
▷ Vehicle battery is heavily discharged.  
▷ At higher elevations.  
General information  
▷ Hood is unlocked.  
The display in the instrument  
cluster indicates that the Auto  
Start/Stop function is ready for an  
automatic engine start.  
▷ The Automatic Parking Assistant is activated.  
▷ Stop-and-go traffic.  
▷ Selector lever position in N or R.  
▷ After driving in reverse.  
The display indicates that the  
conditions for an automatic en‐  
gine stop have not been met.  
Starting the engine  
Functional requirements  
M Steptronic Sport transmission  
Indications on the Control Display  
The engine starts automatically under the follow‐  
ing preconditions:  
Total time with switched-off engine  
▷ By releasing the brake pedal.  
The total time for which the Auto Start/Stop  
function has switched off the engine is displayed  
in the trip data.  
▷ When Automatic Hold is activated: step on  
the accelerator pedal.  
The total time is automatically reset every time  
the vehicle is refueled.  
Driving off  
After the engine starts, accelerate as usual.  
Functional limitations  
Safety mode  
The engine is not switched off automatically in  
the following situations:  
After the engine switches off automatically, it will  
not start again automatically if any one of the fol‐  
lowing conditions are met:  
▷ In case of a steep downhill grade.  
▷ Brake not engaged strongly enough.  
▷ The driver's safety belt is unbuckled and the  
driver's door is open.  
▷ The outside temperature is high and auto‐  
matic climate control is running.  
▷ Hood was unlocked.  
▷ The car's interior has not yet been heated or  
cooled to the required level.  
Some indicator lights light up for a varied length  
of time.  
The engine can only be started via the Start/Stop  
button.  
135  
 
Driving  
CONTROLS  
System limits  
Activating/deactivating the  
system manually  
Even if driving off was not intended, the deacti‐  
vated engine starts up automatically in the fol‐  
lowing situations:  
Principle  
▷ In case of excessive warming of the interior  
when air conditioning is turned on.  
The engine is not automatically switched off.  
The engine is started during an automatic engine  
stop.  
▷ In case of excessive cooling of the interior  
when the heating is turned on.  
Via button  
▷ In case of a risk of window condensation  
when the automatic climate control is turned  
on.  
▷ In case of a steering operation.  
▷ When changing from gear lever position D to  
N or R.  
▷ When changing from gear lever position P to  
N, D, or R.  
▷ In case of seriously discharged vehicle bat‐  
tery.  
Press the button.  
▷ When starting an oil level measurement.  
Additional functions Auto Start/  
Stop  
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.  
Display  
▷ LED comes on: auto Start/Stop function is  
deactivated.  
▷ LED goes out: auto Start/Stop function is ac‐  
tivated.  
Switching off the vehicle during  
an automatic engine stop  
For instance, this applies to the following situa‐  
tions:  
General information  
▷ 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.  
During an automatic engine stop, the vehicle can  
be switched off permanently, for instance when  
leaving it.  
M Steptronic Sport transmission  
1. Press 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.  
▷ Drive-ready state is switched off.  
▷ Standby state is switched on.  
The function may be restricted if the navigation  
data is invalid, outdated or not available, for ex‐  
ample.  
▷ Selector lever position P is engaged auto‐  
matically.  
2. Set the parking brake.  
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Driving  
CONTROLS  
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.  
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:  
▷ Pressing the Start/Stop button.  
▷ Releasing the parking brake.  
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.  
▷ Opening and closing the doors or win‐  
dows.  
▷ Engaging selector lever position N.  
▷ Using vehicle equipment.  
There is a risk of accidents or injuries. Do not  
leave children or animals unattended in the ve‐  
hicle. Take the vehicle key with you when exit‐  
ing and lock the vehicle.  
Parking brake  
Principle  
The parking brake is used to prevent the vehicle  
from rolling when it is parked.  
Overview  
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.  
Parking brake  
In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured  
against rolling away, follow the following:  
Setting  
▷ Set the parking brake.  
▷ 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.  
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Driving  
CONTROLS  
While driving  
Automatic Hold  
Principle  
General information  
To use as emergency brake while driving.  
Automatic Hold assists the driver by automati‐  
cally setting and releasing the brake, such as  
when moving in stop-and-go traffic.  
Pull the switch and hold it. The vehicle  
brakes hard while the switch is being  
pulled.  
The vehicle is automatically held in place when it  
is stationary.  
The indicator light in the instrument clus‐  
ter illuminates red, a signal sounds, and  
the brake lights illuminate.  
On uphill grades the system prevents the vehicle  
from rolling back when driving off.  
A Check Control message is displayed.  
General information  
Under the following conditions, the parking brake  
is automatically engaged:  
The parking brake is engaged when the vehicle  
is stationary.  
▷ Drive-ready state is switched off.  
With Emergency Stop Assistant  
▷ The driver's door is opened while the vehicle  
is stationary.  
Pull the switch briefly to activate the emer‐  
gency stop function.  
▷ The moving vehicle is brought to a standstill  
using the parking brake.  
Additional information:  
Emergency Stop Assistant, refer to page 205.  
Safety information  
Releasing  
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.  
Releasing manually  
1. Turn on drive readiness.  
2.  
Press the switch while stepping on the  
In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured  
against rolling away, follow the following:  
brake pedal or selector lever position P is set.  
The LED and indicator light turn off.  
The parking brake is released.  
▷ Set the parking brake.  
▷ On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,  
turn the front wheels in the direction of the  
curb.  
Automatic release  
The parking brake is released automatically  
when you drive away.  
▷ On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,  
also secure the vehicle, for instance with a  
wheel chock.  
The LED and indicator light turn off.  
138  
 
Driving  
CONTROLS  
Establishing operational readiness  
of Automatic Hold  
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:  
1. Turn on drive readiness.  
2.  
Press the button.  
The LED lights up.  
▷ Pressing the Start/Stop button.  
▷ Releasing the parking brake.  
The indicator light lights up green.  
Automatic Hold is functional.  
▷ Opening and closing the doors or win‐  
dows.  
After every vehicle restart, the last se‐  
lected setting is active.  
▷ Engaging selector lever position N.  
▷ Using vehicle equipment.  
Automatic Hold holding the vehicle  
Operational readiness is established and the  
driver's door is closed.  
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.  
After the brake is applied, the vehicle is  
kept from rolling as soon as the indicator  
light illuminates green.  
NOTICE  
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.  
Driving off  
Press the accelerator pedal to drive off.  
The brake is released automatically and the indi‐  
cator light of the parking brake is no longer illumi‐  
nated.  
Activating the parking brake  
automatically  
Overview  
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 is switched off, while the vehi‐  
cle is coasting to a halt. Automatic Hold is deacti‐  
vated.  
Automatic Hold  
Switching operational readiness off  
Press the button.  
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Driving  
CONTROLS  
The LED goes out.  
Blinking  
The indicator light goes out.  
Automatic Hold is switched off.  
If the vehicle is being held by Automatic Hold,  
press additionally on the brake pedal, when  
switching off.  
Malfunction  
If the parking brake fails or in case of a fault, se‐  
cure the vehicle against rolling before exiting.  
Press the lever past the resistance point.  
Triple turn signal activation  
Lightly tap the lever up or down.  
A Check Control message is displayed.  
Secure the vehicle against rolling away, for in‐  
stance with a wheel chock, after exiting the vehi‐  
cle.  
The triple turn signal duration can be adjusted.  
1. "CAR"  
2. "Settings"  
After a power interruption  
3. "Exterior lighting"  
4. "One-touch turn signal"  
5. Select the desired setting.  
To reestablish parking brake functionality after a  
power interruption:  
1. Turn on standby state.  
Brief blinking  
Press the lever to the resistance point and hold it  
there for as long as you want the turn signal to  
flash.  
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.  
High beams,  
headlight flasher  
The indicator light is no longer illumi‐  
nated as soon as the parking brake is  
ready for operation again.  
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.  
▷ High beams on, arrow 1.  
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Driving  
CONTROLS  
The high beams light up when the low beams  
are switched on.  
Press the lever up until the desired position is  
reached.  
▷ High beams off/headlight flasher, arrow 2.  
▷ Resting position of the wipers, position 0.  
▷ Rain sensor, position 1.  
▷ Normal wiper speed, position 2.  
▷ Fast wiper speed, position 3.  
Window wiper system  
When the journey is interrupted with the window  
wiper system turned on: when the journey con‐  
tinues, the wipers resume at their previous  
speed.  
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.  
Turn off the window wiper  
system and flick wipe  
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.  
Press the lever down.  
▷ Turn off: press the lever down until it reaches  
the 0 position.  
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.  
▷ Flick wipe: press the lever down from the 0  
position.  
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.  
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Driving  
CONTROLS  
Upward: high rain sensor sensitivity.  
Downward: low rain sensor sensitivity.  
Safety information  
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.  
Windshield washer system  
Safety information  
Warning  
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.  
Activate rain sensor  
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.  
Press the lever up once from its 0 position, ar‐  
row 1.  
Wiping operation is started.  
The LED in the wiper lever is illuminated.  
Cleaning the windshield  
In frosty conditions, wiping operation may not  
start.  
Deactivate rain sensor  
Press the lever back into the 0 position.  
Adjusting the rain sensor sensitivity  
Pull the lever.  
The system sprays washer fluid on the wind‐  
shield and activates the wipers briefly.  
Windshield washer nozzles  
The windshield washer nozzles are automatically  
heated while standby state is switched on.  
Turn the thumbwheel to adjust the sensitivity of  
the rain sensor.  
142  
 
Driving  
CONTROLS  
Folding out the wipers  
1. Turn on standby state.  
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.  
2. Press and hold the wiper lever down, until the  
wipers stop in a close to vertical position.  
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.  
3. Fold the wipers all the way out from the wind‐  
shield.  
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.  
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.  
Wipers return to their resting position and are  
ready again for operation.  
M Steptronic Sport  
transmission  
General information  
The M Steptronic Sport transmission is operated  
via the selector lever or the two shift paddles on  
the steering wheel.  
The following functions are available:  
143  
 
Driving  
CONTROLS  
▷ Various driving programs: Drive mode or se‐  
quential mode.  
Icon  
D/S  
P
Function  
Drive mode or sequential mode.  
Parking.  
▷ Low Speed Assistant.  
▷ Various Drivelogic programs.  
▷ Launch Control.  
Selector lever positions  
D is Drive mode  
Selector lever position for driving. All gears for  
forward travel are activated automatically.  
▷ Upshifting display, Shift lights.  
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, for instance with the parking brake.  
S is Sequential mode  
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.  
Overview  
Selector lever  
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.  
Engage selector lever position P only when the  
vehicle is stationary.  
Selector lever functions  
Selector lever position P is engaged automati‐  
cally in situations such as the following:  
Icon  
Function  
Drivelogic programs  
Reverse gear.  
Neutral.  
▷ After the drive-ready state or standby state is  
switched off and selector lever position D/S  
or R is engaged.  
R
N
▷ After the standby state has been switched off  
when selector lever position N is engaged.  
Center position, forward posi‐  
tion.  
▷ 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.  
-
Downshifting, manual.  
Upshifting, manual.  
+
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Driving  
CONTROLS  
Engaging selector lever position P  
Engaging a selector lever  
position  
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.  
The engaged selector lever position is displayed  
in the instrument cluster and on the selector  
lever.  
Press button P.  
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 another  
selector lever 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.  
Engaging selector lever position  
D/S, N, R  
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.  
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.  
1. Switch on drive-ready state while pressing on  
the brake pedal.  
2. If necessary, release the parking brake.  
3. If necessary, deactivate Automatic Hold.  
Automatic Hold, refer to page 138.  
4. Depress the brake pedal.  
In selector lever position R, the selector lever  
locks.  
5. Engage selector lever position N.  
6. Switch off drive-ready state.  
In this way, standby state remains switched  
on, and a Check Control message is dis‐  
played.  
The vehicle can roll.  
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Driving  
CONTROLS  
Selector lever position P is engaged automati‐  
cally after approximately 35 minutes.  
Sequential mode D/S  
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.  
If there is a malfunction, you may not be able to  
change the selector lever position.  
Electronically unlock the transmission lock, if  
needed.  
General information  
Kickdown  
Shortly before falling below a gear-dependent  
minimum speed, the transmission is automati‐  
cally downshifted.  
Kickdown is used to achieve maximum drive  
power in Drive mode.  
Step on the accelerator pedal beyond the resist‐  
ance point at the full throttle position.  
Once the maximum engine speed is attained,  
upshifting is not automatically performed in se‐  
quential mode and the kickdown is deactivated.  
Drive mode D/S  
Principle  
It is also possible to start out in 2nd gear; for in‐  
stance, on icy roads.  
In Drive mode, all forward gears are automatically  
changed.  
Activating sequential mode  
Activating 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.  
Push the selector lever out of the center position  
in the D/S direction.  
Sequential mode is activated. The engaged gear  
is displayed in the instrument cluster, e.g., 1.  
Drive mode is activated. The engaged gear is  
displayed in the instrument cluster along with a  
D, e.g., 1 D.  
Deactivating sequential mode  
Push the selector lever out of the center position  
in the D/S direction. Drive mode is activated.  
Deactivating Drive mode  
The engaged gear is displayed in the instrument  
cluster along with a D, e.g., 1 D.  
Push the selector lever out of Drive mode in the  
D/S direction. Sequential mode is activated.  
The engaged gear is displayed in the instrument  
cluster, e.g., 1.  
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Driving  
CONTROLS  
Switching via the shift paddles  
Gear change  
Principle  
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  
▷ Shift up: pull right shift paddle.  
▷ Shift down: pull left shift paddle.  
Shifting  
Gears will only be shifted at appropriate engine  
and road speeds; for instance, downshifting is  
not possible if the engine speed is too high.  
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.  
The lowest possible gear is selected by simulta‐  
neously operating the kickdown and moving the  
selector lever forward or actuating the left shift  
paddle.  
Observe the display in the instrument cluster in  
these cases.  
Temporary sequential mode  
After a shift paddle is actuated in Drive mode, the  
system temporarily switches to sequential mode.  
Displays in the instrument  
cluster  
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.  
Drive mode  
▷ Engaged gear together with a  
D, arrow 1.  
Permanent sequential mode  
▷ Selected Drivelogic program,  
arrow 2.  
Sequential mode remains permanently active if it  
was active before the shift paddle was actuated.  
Sequential mode  
Switching to Drive mode  
▷ Gear shift indicator, arrow 1.  
▷ Engaged gear, arrow 2.  
It is possible to switch to Drive mode as follows:  
pull and hold the right shift paddle.  
▷ Selected Drivelogic program,  
arrow 3.  
Switching via the selector lever  
▷ To shift up: pull the selector lever rearwards.  
▷ To shift down: press the selector lever for‐  
ward.  
Notice  
When the external temperature is very low, the  
display may not work. Current driving direction is  
recognizable at the engaged selector lever posi‐  
tion.  
A shift in Drive mode causes a switch to Sequen‐  
tial mode.  
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Driving  
CONTROLS  
After each switch between Sequential mode and  
Drive mode, the last program selected is an ac‐  
tive.  
Low Speed Assistant  
Principle  
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.  
The Low Speed Assistant gives assistance at  
very low speeds. The vehicle moves at walking  
speed.  
Programs  
General information  
Use the Low Speed Assistant for maneuvering or  
in stop-and-go traffic.  
Pro‐  
gram  
Drive mode  
Efficient driving.  
Fast driving.  
Sequential  
mode  
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.  
Comfortable shift‐  
ing operations.  
D1/S1  
D2/S2  
D3/S3  
Sporty, fast shift‐  
ing operations.  
Sporty driving.  
Maximum shifting  
speed, Launch  
Control.  
Activating  
1. Switch on drive-ready state while pressing on  
the brake pedal.  
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.  
Selecting a program  
Via the rocker switch on the selector lever  
In 1st and 2nd gear and in reverse, the vehicle  
rolls at minimum speed.  
Deactivating  
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.  
Press the rocker switch repeatedly until  
the desired program is displayed in the  
instrument cluster.  
Via iDrive  
It is possible to configure the required program  
for buttons M1 or M2.  
General information  
Three Drivelogic programs are available.  
1. "CAR"  
2.  
"M menu"  
3. "Configure M1" or "Configure M2"  
148  
 
Driving  
CONTROLS  
4.  
"Transmission"  
A Check Control message is displayed.  
4. Release Start/Stop button and selector lever.  
5. Release brake, as soon as the starter stops.  
5. Select the desired program  
▷ "D1" to "D3": Drive mode.  
▷ "S1" to "S3": sequential mode.  
6. Maneuver the vehicle from the hazardous  
area and secure it against rolling away.  
The setting is immediately applied with active  
M1 or M2 configuration.  
Additional information:  
To activate the desired configuration with the se‐  
lected settings, press the corresponding button  
on the steering wheel:  
Tow-starting/towing, refer to page 364.  
Launch Control  
▷
Principle  
▷
Launch Control enables optimum acceleration  
on roads with good traction under dry surround‐  
ing conditions.  
Display in the instrument cluster  
The selected program corre‐  
sponds to the number of illumi‐  
nated fields.  
General information  
The use of Launch Control causes premature  
component wear since this function represents a  
very heavy load for the vehicle.  
Do not use Launch Control during the break-in.  
Electronic unlocking of the  
transmission lock  
Do not steer the steering wheel when driving off  
with Launch Control.  
Additional information:  
General information  
Electronically unlock the transmission lock to  
maneuver vehicle from a hazardous area.  
Breaking-in period, refer to page 308.  
Functional requirements  
Unlocking is possible, if the starter can crank the  
engine.  
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.  
Before unlocking the transmission lock, set the  
parking brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling  
away.  
Start with launch control  
1. Turn on drive readiness.  
Engaging selector lever position N  
1. Press and hold down brake pedal.  
2. Deactivate Dynamic Stability Control.  
2. Press the Start/Stop button. The starter must  
audibly start. Hold the Start/Stop button  
pressed.  
DSC Dynamic Stability Control, refer to  
page 217.  
3. Select sequential mode with gear 1 and  
Drivelogic program S3.  
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.  
4. With your left foot, forcefully press down on  
the brake.  
149  
 
Driving  
CONTROLS  
5. Press and hold down the accelerator pedal  
beyond the resistance point at the full throttle  
position, kickdown.  
Program  
Response behavior  
"EFFICIENT"  
Efficient, comfortable. Minimal  
consumption.  
A destination flag is displayed in the instru‐  
ment cluster.  
Ideal, for instance in city traffic  
or on snow.  
Keep the accelerator pedal in this position.  
"SPORT"  
Sporty, dynamic.  
6. The starting engine speed adjusts. Within  
3 seconds, release the brake. The vehicle ac‐  
celerates.  
"SPORT  
PLUS"  
Spontaneous, direct. Maxi‐  
mum dynamics.  
Upshifting occurs automatically as long as the  
destination flag is displayed and the accelera‐  
tor pedal is not released.  
The "SPORT" and "SPORT PLUS" programs  
change the sound characteristics of the exhaust  
gas system. The sound takes on a sporty nature.  
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.  
Selecting a program  
Using the button  
After using Launch Control  
To increase driving stability, activate DSC Dy‐  
namic Stability Control again as soon as possible.  
System limits  
An experienced driver may be able to achieve  
better acceleration values in DSC OFF mode.  
Press the button and select the desired  
program on the Control Display.  
M Engine Dynamics  
Control  
Via iDrive  
It is possible to configure the required program  
for buttons M1 or M2.  
Principle  
The M Engine Dynamics Control affects the re‐  
sponse of the vehicle to accelerator pedal move‐  
ments.  
1. "CAR"  
2.  
3. "Configure M1" or "Configure M2"  
4. "Engine"  
"M menu"  
General information  
5. Select the desired program.  
The system offers several different types of en‐  
gine response behavior:  
The setting is immediately applied with active  
M1 or M2 configuration.  
150  
 
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 154.  
The LED lights up when sound control is  
switched on.  
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.  
The setting is immediately applied with active  
M1 or M2 configuration.  
When sound control is switched off, the sound is  
focused on comfort.  
To activate the desired configuration with the se‐  
lected settings, press the corresponding button  
on the steering wheel:  
During the engine warm-up phase, sound control  
does not have any effect on the sound of the ex‐  
haust gas system.  
▷
Additional information:  
High-performance engine, refer to page 306.  
▷
151  
 

Related Topics

CONTROLS
Dashboard Sensors of the vehicle Operating state of the vehicle iDrive BMW Remote Software Upgrade General settings Personal settings Connections Opening and closing Seats, mirrors and steering wheel Transporting children safely Displays Lights Safety Driving stability control systems Driver assistance systems Driving comfort Climate control Interior equipment Storage compartments Cargo area

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