Ignition switch and engine start (BMW 3 Series E46)

0 Steering wheel is locked

The key can only be inserted into or removed from the lock in this position.

After removing the key, gently rock the steering wheel until it clicks into place.

Cars with AT: the control lever may be moved from position P only 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 AT control lever to position P.

1 Steering wheel unlocked

Turning the key from position 0 to position 1 is often made easier by gently rocking the steering wheel.

Some power consumers are ready for operation.

2 Ignition on / for BMW 320d: preheating

All power consumers are ready for operation.

3 Turning on the starter

Starting the engine.

Before starting:

• Apply the parking brake
• Set the gearbox control lever to neutral position, or, if equipped with automatic transmission, to position P or N.
• At low outside temperatures, depress and hold the clutch pedal.

Never run the engine indoors. Exhaust gases contain colorless and odorless, but very poisonous carbon monoxide. Inhaling exhaust gases is harmful to health and can cause loss of consciousness and death.



Since a vehicle is a potential source of danger, never leave it unattended with the engine running.

Cars with gasoline engines

Without pressing the accelerator pedal, start the engine

You should not limit yourself to turning on the starter for too short a time, but you should not keep it on for more than 20 seconds. As soon as the engine starts, release the key immediately.

Do not warm up the engine at idle, but immediately start moving at moderate speed.

If the engine (cold or overheated) if it doesn't start the first time, then when you try to start it again:

• Keep the accelerator pedal depressed to about half its travel.

Starting a cold engine at low temperatures (below -15°C) and at high altitudes (more than 1000 m above sea level):

• When you first try to start the engine, keep the starter engaged for a little longer than usual (about 10 seconds).
• Keep the accelerator pedal depressed to approximately half its travel.

If you have to start the engine frequently at low temperatures and high altitudes, replace the engine oil with 5W-X viscosity oil (refer to the section Changing engine oil and oil filter).

Diesel Engine Cars

When the engine is cold:

The ignition key must be in position 2 until the glow plug indicator lamp goes out.

Start the engine.

At extremely low outside temperatures, the starter can be kept on for up to 40 seconds

With the engine warm:

If the glow plug indicator light does not light, 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 moving at moderate speed.

Bleeding the fuel system of a diesel engine: If the fuel tank is empty, then, as a rule, bleeding the fuel system is not required.

If problems still occur when starting the engine:

Keep the starter engaged for about 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 you turn the steering wheel, the steering column shaft lock will be locked.

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 or reverse gear may not be sufficient to prevent the vehicle from moving off on its own under certain circumstances.

Cars with AT: move the AT selector lever to position P.