Automatic transmission (AT) (BMW X5 E53)

The automatic transmission (AT) thanks to a special combination of mechanical and hydraulic transmission significantly increases efficiency when driving in 3rd and 4th gears, which allows for a significant reduction in fuel consumption.

The car is equipped with an automatic transmission equipped with the "Steptronic" system. This automatic transmission differs from conventional automatic transmissions by the presence of a manual gear shift mode, as well as a self-adjusting control system (AGS), which selects a shift program depending on the driving style, traffic conditions, weather conditions (winter program) and the condition of the road surface.

If you move the selector from the "D" position to the left, to the "M/S" line, the automatic transmission will switch to a sports gear shift program, like in F1 cars. Lightly pressing the selector in the "+" or "-" direction causes gear shifting in manual mode. In order to return to automatic mode, you must move the selector to the right, to the "D" position.

Attention! If a malfunction occurs, the automatic transmission automatically switches to emergency mode, the indicator ("O") lights up and a message appears on the display of the automatic diagnostic system "Transmisson Overheat" ("Gearbox overheating") or "Trans.Fallsafe Prog." ("Emergency transmission control program").

The fault may be in the control electronics or in the gearbox itself. In this case, it is possible to move the selector to any position, but when forward gear is engaged, the car will only move in 4th or 5th gear. You must immediately contact a service station.



Position of the control selector

The gear selection control lever (Fig. 1.54) has the following positions.

P, R, N, D and M/S.

• P - parking position;
• R — reverse gear;
• N — neutral position;
• O - automatic mode;
• M/S - manual mode and sports program.

Each of the above positions of the automatic transmission selector has a glowing indicator on the instrument panel display, depending on the instrument panel configuration.

Changing the position of the automatic transmission control selector

The engine can only be started when the automatic transmission control selector is in the "P" or "N" position. Before engaging forward gears, you must press the brake pedal, since the car will start moving even at idle speed, so the wear rate of the brake pads is higher in a car with an automatic transmission than in a car with a manual transmission.

Caution! When the vehicle is parked with the engine running, the gear selector must be in position "P" or "N" and the parking brake must be applied.

The gear selector on the front side has a lock button for the "P" and "R" positions (arrow, see fig. 1.54).



The lock is released by pressing this button. Having moved the lever to the position corresponding to the forward or reverse gear, wait for the moment of engaging the gear. feel a slight push, and only then can you remove your foot from the brake pedal and press the gas pedal.



If the control selector is mistakenly moved to the "N" position while driving at high engine speeds, immediately release the gas. Wait until the speed drops to the idle speed value and only then engage the required gear.

To move the selector lever from the "P" and "N" positions when the vehicle is parked, you must press the brake pedal, as it is locked by the Shiftlock system.

Downshift device ("kick-down")

Mode "Kick-Down" ("Kick-Down") is used to turn on the downshift when the accelerator pedal is fully pressed, when passing through the full throttle position, until it stops. At the same time, the point of increased resistance must be passed. This mode provides maximum acceleration of the car when switching to a lower gear. When the accelerator pedal is pressed all the way down, depending on the speed and speed of the engine, a sequential shift to a lower gear occurs. When the car is stopped for a short time, it is enough to stop the car with the brake pedal, the engine must be running at idle. To park the car on a flat area, it is enough to set the control selector to the "P" position, thereby blocking the transmission. On a road with a slope, first tighten the handbrake and then lock the transmission — this means that the transmission locking mechanism receives less load and is released more easily.

Attention! On cars equipped with automatic transmission, starting the engine by towing is not possible.

(The original material is located on the website: BMWman)