Positions of the automatic transmission control lever (1): RND 4 3 2.
In addition, you can choose between three different driving modes via a toggle switch (2):
E (Economy) - economical driving. Dip the tumbler.
S (Sport) - Sports driving.
* (Winter) - Winter driving. Move the toggle switch to the required position.
Keep in mind:
The engine can only be started in lever position P or N.
At the bottom of the handle of the automatic transmission control lever is a lock button that prevents erroneous switching of the control lever. Press the button to unlock the lever.
After setting the control lever to the driving position, before pressing the accelerator pedal, first wait until the automatic transmission is switched on!
At minimum speed (idle speed) the vehicle moves even if you do not touch the accelerator pedal when the driving position is engaged.
In the event of an erroneous shift at high speeds to position N, immediately release the accelerator pedal. Only then set the control lever to the required 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 lever!
P - Parking
Switch on only when the vehicle is stationary. Drive wheels are blocked.
R - Reverse
Switch on only when the vehicle is stationary and idling.
N - Neutral position (Idling)
Turn on only during long pauses in motion, as well as in case of danger of skidding the car.
D - Drive - Movement (Auto Shift Position)
It turns on in normal mode for driving in all gears.
4 - Direct transmission
You put the lever in this position if the need for frequent shifts from 5th to 4th gear is obvious in position B. In this case, 5th gear will not engage.
3 and 2 * - Reducing stage with an increased gear ratio, braking stage.
These positions should be included in the mountains, as well as on long ascents and descents. This mode makes it possible to optimally use the engine power.
This enhances the engine braking effect and avoids unwanted upshifts.
These positions can be activated at any speed. The gearbox shifts down only when the corresponding low speed is reached.
* First gear is engaged automatically. This position, thanks to the matching system, is especially good for the operation of a vehicle with a trailer.
Excessive pressure on the accelerator pedal ("Kick-Down")
The accelerator pedal can be squeezed beyond the point of maximum "gas". In this case, it is necessary to overcome the increased resistance along the pedal stroke.
The transmission shifts in this case to a lower gear for faster acceleration. Subsequent upshifts occur at higher RPMs.
Driving modes
E (Economy) - economy mode
For driving with the lowest fuel consumption; is the starting position after each start.
S (Sport) - sports mode
For sports movement. The transmission upshifts later, allowing full use of the vehicle's power reserve.
* (Winter) - winter mode
For winter driving conditions. In position B, gears from 2nd to 5th are included 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 vehicle pulls away at that speed and does not downshift during acceleration.
On hills or when driving with a trailer, for example, driving with the automatic gear lever in position 2 or in winter on slippery roads in position 4 is advantageous, which allows smooth acceleration and prevents unwanted gear changes.
Electronic control lamp, automatic transmission system (3)
- If the lamp comes on while driving or
- message appears on the Control Display "Getriebeprogrfmm" ("Program Guide"), then this indicates a malfunction of the electronic system or transmission.
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 workshop.
If the warning lamp comes on or an electronic system failure message appears, the vehicle must not be driven further and must be repaired by a BMW workshop.
Never carry out any work in the engine compartment with the drive position engaged. Do not leave children unattended in the car.
The procedure for towing to start the engine, towing and starting the engine with an auxiliary battery - refer to the Chapter BMW 5-series cars and Section Starting the engine from an auxiliary source.