0 Steering wheel locked
The key can only be inserted into or removed from the lock in this position.
After removing the key, rock the steering wheel slightly until it locks into place.
Vehicles with AT: shifting the control lever from position P is only allowed when the engine is running (ignition key in position 2).
Before returning the key to position 0 or removing it from the lock, move the control lever AT to position P.
1 Steering wheel unlocked
Turning the key from position 0 to position 1 is often facilitated by a slight wiggle of the steering wheel.
Some current consumers are in operational readiness.
2 Ignition on / for BMW 320d: Preheat
All current consumers are in working readiness.
3 Activate the starter
Engine starting.
Before launch:
- Apply parking brake
- Set the transmission control lever to the neutral position, and if AT is available, to the P or N position.
- At low outside temperatures, depress and hold the clutch pedal depressed.
Never run the engine in enclosed spaces. Exhaust gases contain colorless and odorless, but highly toxic carbon monoxide. Inhalation of exhaust fumes is harmful to health and can cause loss of consciousness and death.
Since the car is a potential source of danger, never leave it with the engine running unattended.
Cars with a gasoline engine
Without depressing the accelerator pedal, start the engine
You should not be limited to turning on the starter too briefly, but you should not keep it on for more than 20 seconds. Release the key as soon as the engine starts.
Do not warm up the engine at idle, but immediately start driving at moderate speeds.
If the engine (cold or overheated) will not start the first time, then when you try to start again:
- Keep the accelerator pedal pressed down to about half of its travel.
Starting a cold engine at low temperatures (below -15°С) and at high altitudes (over 1000 m above sea level):
- At the first attempt to start the engine, keep the starter turned on a little longer than usual (about 10 seconds).
- Keep the accelerator pedal pressed down to about half of its travel.
If you have to start the engine frequently at low temperatures and at high altitudes, then change the engine oil to 5W-X viscosity oil (refer to section Changing the engine oil and oil filter).
Diesel vehicles
With a cold engine:
The ignition key must be in position 2 until the preheat indicator lamp goes out.
Start the engine.
At extremely low outside temperatures, the starter can be kept on for up to 40 seconds
When the engine is warm:
If the preheat indicator lamp does not light up, start the engine immediately
Pressing the accelerator pedal does not affect the engine starting process.
Do not warm up the engine at idle, but immediately start driving at moderate speeds.
Bleeding the diesel fuel system: If the fuel tank is empty, then, as a rule, bleeding from the fuel system is not required.
If you still have problems starting the engine:
Keep the starter engaged for approximately 20 seconds.
Engine stop
To stop the engine, turn the key to position 1 or 0.
Never remove the key from the lock while the vehicle is moving. Otherwise, when turning the steering wheel, the lock of the steering column shaft will be blocked.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key from the ignition and lock the steering column lock.
Cars with manual transmission: when parking on steep roads, apply the parking brake, as engaging first gear or reverse gear under certain circumstances is not enough to prevent the vehicle from moving away spontaneously.
Vehicles with AT: move the AT selector lever to position P.