Get CONTROLS -> Driving Guide for BMW X7 4 Door First Generation (2019-2025)

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.

When stopping

Start/Stop button

Selector lever positions D, S, or R

On inclines, the system prevents rolling back

against the set driving direction and provides

drive-off support.

Principle

Pressing the Start/Stop button turns drive-

ready state on/off.

Driving off

Press the accelerator pedal to drive off.

General information

Drive-ready state turns on when the brake

pedal is pressed while pushing the Start/Stop

button.

The parking brake is released automatically.

Depending on the load and driving situation or

when a trailer is used, the vehicle may roll back

slightly.

Pressing the Start/Stop button again turns

drive-ready state back off and turns standby

state back on.

Acoustic pedestrian protection

Additional information:

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.

▷

Drive-ready state, refer to page 42.

Standby state, refer to page 41.

Overview

▷

With a stationary vehicle and drive-ready

state turned on, as soon as the selector

lever position P is exited.

▷

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.

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Driving

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Display in the instrument cluster

Auto Start/Stop function

The display in the instrument

cluster indicates that the Auto

Start/Stop function is ready for

an automatic engine start.

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 engine starts automatically for driving off.

Functional limitations

The engine does not switch off automatically in

situations like the following:

General information

The Auto Start/Stop function switches to

standby whenever the engine is started using

the Start/Stop button.

▷

In case of a steep downhill grade.

Brake pedal was not depressed hard

enough.

▷

When the ambient temperature is high and

automatic climate control is switched on.

The function is activated at low speeds.

Engine stop

Vehicle interior has not yet been heated or

cooled as desired.

Functional requirements

The engine is switched off automatically when

stopping under the following conditions:

When window condensation is possible and

automatic climate control is switched on.

Engine or other components are not at op-

erating temperature.

▷

The selector lever is in selector lever posi-

tion D.

▷

Engine cooling is required.

Vehicle battery is deeply discharged.

At higher elevations.

▷

The brake pedal remains depressed while

the vehicle is at a standstill or the vehicle is

held by Automatic Hold.

The hood is unlocked.

▷

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

er's door is closed.

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.

▷

Hill Descent Control is activated.

xOFFROAD driving mode is on.

Selector lever position is S or R.

▷

Depress the brake pedal forcefully again

from the current pedal position.

▷

Engage selector lever position P.

When all functional preconditions are fulfilled,

the engine switches off.

Starting the engine

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.

131

Driving

CONTROLS

▷

By releasing the brake pedal.

Deactivating the system manually

When Automatic Hold is activated: step on

the accelerator pedal.

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.

Driving off

Accelerating as usual after starting the engine.

Safety mode

After the engine switches off automatically, it

will not start again automatically if any one of

the following conditions are met:

If this function is deactivated while the engine

is being stopped automatically, the engine will

start.

Depending on vehicle equipment: Via

button

▷

The driver's seat belt is unbuckled and the

driver's door is open.

▷

Hood was unlocked.

Some indicator lights illuminate for a varied

length of time.

The engine can only be started using the Start/

Stop button.

System limits

Even if driving off was not intended, the deac-

tivated engine starts up automatically in the

following situations:

Press the button.

▷

LED is illuminated: Auto Start/Stop

function is deactivated.

▷

Vehicle interior is extremely hot when the

cooling is on.

▷

LED off: Auto Start/Stop function is ena-

bled.

Vehicle interior is extremely cold when the

heating is on.

When window condensation is possible and

automatic climate control is switched on.

Depending on vehicle equipment: Via

iDrive

Without mild hybrid technology:

In case of a steering operation.

1.

Apps menu

2. "Vehicle"

▷

When changing the selector lever position

from D or P to R.

3. "Driving settings"

4. "Drivetrain and chassis"

5. "Auto Start/Stop"

6. Select the desired setting.

In case of seriously discharged vehicle bat-

tery.

When starting an oil level measurement.

Via selector lever position

The Auto Start/Stop function is also disabled

in selector lever position S.

132

Driving

CONTROLS

Via the Driving Experience Control

Safety information

The Auto Start/Stop function is also deacti-

vated in SPORT driving mode of the Driving

Experience Control.

Warning

An unsecured vehicle can begin to move and

possibly roll away. There is a risk of accident,

injury, and property damage. Before leaving

your vehicle, secure it against rolling away,

e.g., by applying the parking brake.

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.

1. Press the Start/Stop button.

Selector lever positions

▷

Drive-ready state is switched off.

Standby state is switched on.

Gear position D

Selector lever position for normal driving. All

gears for forward travel are activated automat-

ically.

Selector lever position P is engaged au-

tomatically.

2. Set the parking brake.

R reverse gear

Engage selector lever position R only when the

vehicle is stationary.

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.

N Neutral

The vehicle may be pushed or roll without

drive, for instance in car washes, in selector

lever position N.

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.

Parking position P

General information

Selector lever position, for instance for parking

the vehicle. The transmission blocks the drive

in selector lever position P.

Steptronic transmission

Engage selector lever position P only when the

vehicle is stationary.

Principle

The Steptronic transmission is the vehicle's

automatic transmission. With shift paddles, it

offers the option of manual shifting if needed.

P is engaged automatically

Selector lever position P is engaged automati-

cally in situations such as the following:

133

Driving

CONTROLS

▷

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

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

The selector lever automatically returns to

the center position when released.

After standby is switched off, if selector

lever position N is engaged.

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.

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.

Engaging selector lever position P

Additional information:

Press the button.

Parking brake, refer to page 140.

The parking brake is applied and the

transmission lock is engaged.

Engaging selector lever positions

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.

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.

Press button P.

The transmission lock is engaged.

The selection lever position P cannot be

changed until all technical prerequisites are

met.

Rolling or pushing the vehicle

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.

Engaging selector lever position D, N,

R

1. Fasten driver's seat belt.

2. Tilt or pull the selector lever into the desired

direction, past a resistance point, if needed.

134

Driving

CONTROLS

Engaging selector lever position N

S Sport mode

Principle

NOTICE

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.

Selector lever position P is automatically en-

gaged when standby state is switched off.

The wheels are blocked. There is a risk of

property damage. Do not switch off standby

if the vehicle is meant to coast, e.g., in a car

wash.

Activating the Sport program

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.

In this way, standby state remains switched

on, and a Check Control message is dis-

played.

Pull the selector lever from selector lever posi-

tion D to D/S.

The engaged gear is displayed in the instru-

ment cluster, for instance S1.

The vehicle can roll.

Selector lever position P is engaged automati-

cally after approximately 35 minutes.

The sport program of the transmission is acti-

vated.

If the system is not operational, you may not

be able to change the selector lever position.

Ending the Sport program

Pull the selector lever to D/S.

Electronically unlock the transmission lock, if

needed.

D is displayed in the instrument cluster.

Additional information:

Electronic unlocking of the transmission lock,

refer to page 136.

Displays in the instrument cluster

The selector lever position is

displayed, for example P.

Kickdown

Kickdown is used to achieve maximum driving

performance.

Step on the accelerator pedal beyond the re-

sistance point at the full throttle position.

135

Driving

CONTROLS

The engaged gear is also displayed in the in-

strument cluster, for instance D1.

Electronic unlocking of the

transmission lock

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.

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.

It is possible to switch into automatic mode:

Before unlocking the transmission lock, secure

the vehicle against rolling away, for instance

with a wheel chock.

▷

Pull and hold the right shift paddle until D is

displayed in the instrument cluster.

▷

In addition to the pulled right shift paddle,

pull the left shift paddle.

Engaging selector lever position N

1. Quickly press the Start/Stop button three

times without pressing the brake.

Continuous manual mode

In Sport program S, pulling a shift paddle

switches to manual mode M permanently.

2. Depress the brake pedal.

3. Press the selector lever to position N until

position N is shown on the selector lever.

The engaged gear is displayed in the instru-

ment cluster, for instance M1.

An appropriate Check Control message is

displayed.

It is possible to switch into automatic mode:

▷

Pull and hold the right shift paddle until S is

displayed on the instrument cluster.

4. Maneuver the vehicle from the hazardous

area and secure it against rolling away.

In addition to the pulled right shift paddle,

pull the left shift paddle.

Shift paddles

Pull the selector lever to D/S.

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.

Principle

The shift paddles on the steering wheel are

used to change gears manually.

General information

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.

▷

Upshifting: pull the right shift paddle.

Downshifting: pull left shift paddle.

136

Driving

CONTROLS

The selected gear is briefly displayed in the in-

strument cluster, followed by the current gear.

General information

Using Launch Control causes premature com-

ponent wear since this function represents a

very heavy load for the vehicle.

Advanced mode

Do not turn the steering wheel when driving off

with Launch Control.

General information

Depending on vehicle equipment, the Step-

tronic transmission offers an advanced mode

with adapted shift characteristics.

Do not use Launch Control when breaking in

the vehicle.

Additional information:

▷

Automatic downshift to lowest possible

gear.

Break-in, refer to page 328.

If the left shift paddle is pulled and held, the

Steptronic transmission automatically shifts

down to the lowest possible gear.

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.

Avoid automatic upshifting in manual

mode.

In manual mode, the Steptronic transmis-

sion does not shift up automatically when

speed limits are reached.

Driving off with Launch Control

1. Turn on drive-ready state.

There is no downshifting for kickdown.

2. Activate drive mode: "SPORT".

3. Enabling the driving dynamics setting:

"SPORT PLUS".

Enabling advanced mode

The advanced mode is enabled in manual

mode when Dynamic Stability Control is disa-

bled.

4. With the left foot, press down forcefully on

the brake.

5. Engage forward gear.

Depending on vehicle equipment, the ad-

vanced mode can also be enabled in manual

mode as follows, for example:

6. Press the accelerator pedal all the way

down and hold.

Launch Control information is displayed in

the instrument cluster.

▷

"SPORT PLUS": Driving mode is selected.

Dynamic Traction Control is activated.

7. The starting engine speed adjusts. Wait

briefly until the engine speed is constant.

Keep the accelerator pedal in this position.

Launch Control

8. Release the brake within a few seconds of

the Launch Control information illuminating.

Principle

The vehicle accelerates.

Launch Control enables optimum acceleration

on roads with good traction under dry sur-

rounding conditions.

Upshifting is performed automatically as

long as the Launch Control information is

displayed and the accelerator pedal is not

released.

137

Driving

CONTROLS

Launch Control stays on as long as the

Launch Control information is displayed

and the accelerator pedal is not released.

▷

The transmission shifts down to the

lowest possible gear and switches to

manual operation M.

A dynamic setting has been activated

for the drivetrain.

Repeated use during a trip

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.

2. Change gears manually.

Automatic deactivation

The Sprint function is ended automatically

when driving moderately for a defined period

of time.

After using Launch Control

To support driving stability, reactivate Dynamic

Stability Control as soon as possible.

Manual deactivation

▷

Keep the right shift paddle pulled until

SPRINT is no longer displayed in the instru-

ment cluster.

System limits

An experienced driver may be able to achieve

better acceleration values in DSC OFF without

Launch Control mode.

▷

In addition to the pulled right shift paddle,

pull the left shift paddle.

Press the selector lever from selector lever

position S to D.

Steptronic Sport

transmission: sprint function

Driving Experience Control

Principle

The Driving Experience Control influences,

among other things, the vehicle's driving dy-

namics.

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.

The vehicle can be adjusted depending on the

situation using various driving modes.

General information

When the Sprint function is activated, the re-

sponse characteristics of the vehicle will be-

come more dynamic.

General information

The following systems may be affected, for in-

stance:

▷

Drivetrain.

Activating

1. Keep the left shift paddle pulled until

SPRINT is displayed in the instrument clus-

ter.

Chassis.

Steering.

Display in the instrument cluster.

Cruise control.

138

Driving

CONTROLS

Overview

Driving modes in detail

Buttons in the vehicle

COMFORT

The COMFORT driving mode is a balanced

setting between sporty and consumption-opti-

mized driving.

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.

Button

Driving mode

SPORT

SPORT PLUS

SPORT INDIVIDUAL

ECO PRO

In ECO PRO driving mode, consumption is op-

timized.

COMFORT

INDIVIDUAL configuration

ECO PRO

ECO PRO INDIVIDUAL

General information

For some driving modes, there is another

mode that can be adjusted individually.

Displays in the instrument cluster

The individual configuration set last is acti-

vated directly when the driving mode is called

up again.

The selected driving mode is

displayed in the instrument clus-

ter.

Configuring and resetting

E.g., ECO PRO INDIVIDUAL drive mode:

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.

1.

Apps menu

2. "Vehicle"

3. "Driving settings"

4. "Drivetrain and chassis"

5. "ECO PRO INDIVIDUAL"

6. Select the desired setting.

When changing the drive mode, the current

drive mode is deactivated.

Reset ECO PRO INDIVIDUAL to the standard

settings:

"Reset to ECO PRO STANDARD"

139

Driving

CONTROLS

Enabling INDIVIDUAL

Press the button for the desired driving mode

several times.

My Programs in detail

My Pro-

grams

Description

"REAR

This program creates an at-

My Programs

SEAT VIEW" mosphere that encourages

sleep for children in the rear.

Principle

Various vehicle functions in the vehicle interior

are adapted to each other in a program.

Activating/deactivating My

Programs

When a program is selected, for example, the

interior lighting, climate control, and music se-

lection are adjusted.

1.

Apps menu

2. "All apps"

3. "REAR SEAT VIEW"

Safety information

Parking brake

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.

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.

For some national-market versions, unlock-

ing from the inside is only possible with par-

ticular knowledge.

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.

In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured

against rolling away, follow the following:

▷

Set the parking brake.

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.

140

Driving

CONTROLS

The indicator light in the instrument

cluster illuminates red.

Warning

The parking brake is set.

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:

While driving

Use while driving serves as an emergency

braking function.

▷

Establishing standby.

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

cluster illuminates red, a signal sounds,

and the brake lights illuminate.

There is a risk of accident, injury, and prop-

erty damage. Do not leave children or ani-

mals unattended in the vehicle. Take the ve-

hicle key with you when exiting and lock the

vehicle.

A Check Control message is displayed.

The parking brake is engaged when the vehi-

cle is stationary.

Engaging the parking brake

automatically

Overview

In some situations, the parking brake is en-

gaged automatically, e.g., through Automatic

Hold.

Button in the vehicle

Additionally, the system can be set to auto-

matically engaging the parking brake when the

drive-ready state is turned off.

1.

Apps menu

2. "Vehicle"

3. "Driving settings"

4. "Drivetrain and chassis"

5. "Parking brake"

Parking brake

6. Select the desired setting.

In selector lever position N, the parking brake

will not be engaged automatically.

Setting the parking brake

With a stationary vehicle

Pull the switch.

The LED illuminates.

141

Driving

CONTROLS

Releasing the parking brake

After a power interruption

To reestablish parking brake operability after

a power interruption, an initialization may be

required.

Releasing the parking brake manually

1. Turn on drive-ready state.

1. Turn on standby state.

2.

Press the switch while stepping on

the brake pedal or selector lever position P

is set.

2.

Pull the switch while stepping on the

brake pedal or selector lever position P is

set and then push.

The LED and the indicator light go out.

The parking brake is released.

This process may take a few seconds. Some

mechanical sounds associated with this proc-

ess are normal.

Releasing the parking brake

automatically

The parking brake is released automatically

when you drive off.

The indicator light is no longer illumi-

nated as soon as the parking brake is

ready for operation again.

The LED and the indicator light go out.

Using the parking brake via iDrive

The parking brake can also be engaged or dis-

engaged via iDrive. Additionally, further infor-

mation is displayed.

Automatic Hold

Principle

Automatic Hold assists the driver by automat-

ically applying and releasing the brake, for ex-

ample, in stop-and-go traffic.

1.

Apps menu

2. "Vehicle"

The vehicle is automatically held in place when

it is stationary.

3. "Driving settings"

4. "Drivetrain and chassis"

5. "Parking brake"

On uphill grades the system prevents the vehi-

cle from rolling back when driving off.

6. Select the desired setting.

General information

The parking brake is automatically engaged

under the following conditions:

Malfunction

If the parking brake fails or malfunctions, se-

cure the vehicle so that it does not roll away

before you exit.

▷

If drive-ready state is turned off.

The driver’s door is open for more than one

second and no pedal is pressed during this

time.

A Check Control message is displayed.

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.

In selector lever position N, Automatic Hold is

temporarily deactivated.

142

Driving

CONTROLS

Safety information

Overview

Button in the vehicle

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.

In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured

against rolling away, follow the following:

▷

Set the parking brake.

On uphill grades or on downhill slopes,

turn the front wheels in the direction of

the curb.

Automatic Hold

▷

On uphill grades or on downhill slopes,

also secure the vehicle, for instance with

a wheel chock.

Activating Automatic Hold

1. Turn on drive-ready state.

2.

Press the button.

Warning

The LED illuminates.

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:

The indicator light illuminates green.

Automatic Hold is activated.

After every vehicle restart, the last se-

lected setting is active.

▷

Establishing standby.

Releasing the parking brake.

Opening and closing the doors or win-

dows.

Automatic Hold holding the vehicle

Automatic Hold is activated and the driver’s

door is closed.

▷

Engaging selector lever position N.

Using vehicle equipment.

After stopping, the vehicle is automat-

ically secured against rolling away as

soon as the indicator light illuminates

green.

There is a risk of accident, injury, and prop-

erty damage. Do not leave children or ani-

mals unattended in the vehicle. Take the ve-

hicle key with you when exiting and lock the

vehicle.

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.

143

Driving

CONTROLS

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.

144

CONTROLS -> Driving for Your BMW X7 4 Door First Generation (2019-2025)

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