Controls and features -> Switching off the engine for Your BMW Z3 SUV First Generation (1995-2002)

60nSwitching off the engine  
Parking brake  
Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.  
If, in exceptional circumstances,  
it should be necessary to engage  
the parking brake while the vehicle is  
in motion, do not pull it with excessive  
pressure. Keep your thumb pressed  
against the release button while care-  
fully pulling up the lever to apply  
moderate pressure.  
Do not remove the ignition key  
while the vehicle is rolling. The  
steering locks and it is impossible to  
steer the vehicle.  
Always remove the ignition key and  
engage the steering lock before leaving  
the vehicle.  
Excessive pressure can lead to over-  
braking and loss of traction at the rear  
(fishtailing).  
Vehicles with manual transmission:  
Always engage the parking brake when  
parking on slopes and inclined  
surfaces, since even placing the gear-  
shift lever in 1st gear or reverse may not  
provide adequate resistance to rolling.  
Vehicles with automatic transmission:  
Place the selector lever in "P".<  
The brake lamps do not come on when  
the parking brake is engaged.  
The parking brake is designed primarily  
to prevent the vehicle from rolling when  
parked. It operates against the rear  
wheels.  
Vehicles with manual transmission:  
Always engage the parking brake when  
parking on slopes and inclined  
surfaces, since even placing the gear-  
shift lever in 1st gear or reverse may not  
provide adequate resistance to rolling.  
Vehicles with automatic transmission:  
Place the selector lever in "P".<  
To engage  
The lever engages automatically when  
you pull it up, and the indicator lamp in  
the instrument panel comes on when  
the ignition key is in position 2, refer to  
page 21.  
To avoid corrosion and one-sided  
braking, apply the parking brake lightly  
from time to time when coasting to a  
standstill (at a traffic signal, for  
instance), provided that it is safe to do  
so.  
To release  
Pull up slightly on the lever, press the  
button and lower the lever.