Automatic transmission (BMW 5 Series E28)

Automatic transmission control lever positions (1): P RND 4 3 2.

In addition, the toggle switch allows you to choose between three different driving modes (2):

E (Economy) - economical driving. Press the switch.

S (Sport) - Sporty driving.

* (Winter) - Winter driving. Move the switch to the required position.



Please note:

The engine can only be started when the lever is in position P or N.

There is a locking button on the bottom of the automatic transmission control lever handle that prevents the control lever from being accidentally shifted. To unlock the lever, press the button.

After setting the control lever to the drive position, before pressing the accelerator pedal, first wait for the automatic transmission to engage!



At minimum speed (idle speed) the car moves even when the drive position is engaged, even if you do not touch the accelerator pedal.

If you accidentally shift into position N at high revs, release the accelerator pedal immediately. Only then set the control lever to the desired position.



Before leaving the vehicle with the engine running, set the automatic transmission control lever to position P or N and apply the parking brake!

R - Parking

Switch on only when the vehicle is stationary. The drive wheels are locked.

R — Reverse

Switch on only when the vehicle is stationary and idling.

N — Neutral position (Idling)

Switch on only during long pauses in movement, as well as when there is a risk of the vehicle skidding.

D — Drive — Movement (Automatic gear shift position)

It is switched on in normal mode for driving in all gears.

4 - Direct transmission

You put the lever in this position if in position B there is an obvious need to frequently shift from 5th to 4th gear. In this case, 5th gear is not engaged.

3 and 2* — Reduction stage with increased gear ratio, braking stage.

These positions should be engaged in the mountains and on long climbs and descents. This mode allows for optimal use of engine power.



This enhances the engine braking effect and avoids unwanted upshifting.

These positions can be engaged at any speed. The transmission only downshifts when the appropriate low speed is reached.

* First gear is engaged automatically. This position, thanks to the matching system, is particularly good for operating the vehicle with a trailer.

Extreme pressure on the accelerator pedal ("Kick-Down")

The accelerator pedal can be pressed beyond the point of maximum "gas". In this case, it is necessary to overcome the increased resistance along the pedal.

The gearbox then shifts down to a lower gear for faster acceleration. Subsequent shifts up to a higher gear occur at higher revs.

Driving modes

E (Economy) - economical mode

For driving with the lowest fuel consumption; is the starting position after each start.

S (Sport) — sports mode

For sporty driving. The gearbox shifts up later, allowing the car's power reserves to be fully utilized.

* (Winter) — winter mode

For winter driving conditions. In position B, gears 2–5 are engaged in the most optimal way for driving in winter conditions.

In positions 4, 3 and 2 the selected gear does not change. This means that the car starts moving at this speed and no downshifting occurs during acceleration.

On hills or when driving with a trailer, for example, it is advantageous to drive with the automatic transmission lever in position 2 or, in winter on slippery roads, in position 4, which enables smooth acceleration and prevents unwanted gear shifting.

Electronic Automatic Transmission System Control Lamp (3)

• if the lamp lights up while driving or
• a message appears on the control and signal display "Getriebeprogrfmm" ("Program Guide"), then this indicates a malfunction of the electronic system or gearbox.

In this case, the automatic transmission lever can still be set to all positions, however, in the forward position, the car can only move in 4th or 5th gear.



In this case, avoid high loads and contact your nearest BMW service.

If the warning light comes on or a message appears indicating a failure of the electronic system, further driving of the vehicle is prohibited and it must be repaired at a BMW service.

Never perform any work in the engine compartment with the drive position engaged. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle.

For procedures for towing to start the engine, towing, and starting the engine using a booster battery, refer to Chapter BMW 5-series cars and Section Starting the engine from an auxiliary source.

(Examine the original source using the link on the website «BMWMan»)