The inserted key has four positions:
- "O" the steering wheel is locked, you can insert and remove the key;
- "1" steering wheel unlocked:
- "2" ignition on (for diesel engine - pre-start heating of glow plugs);
- "3" starter on (engine start).
After removing the ignition key, it is necessary to slightly rock the steering wheel so that it clicks into the lock. When installing the BMW X5 E53 ignition key from position "O" to position "1", it is recommended to slightly rock the steering wheel, which helps to unlock the steering wheel.
Since the automatic transmission has an Interlock system, in order to remove the ignition key, the automatic transmission selector lever should be set to the "P" position. The car is equipped with a set of ignition keys (Fig. 1.20) with remote radio control and a "friend or foe" system.
If the vehicle is equipped with an electronic anti-theft system, then the ignition key is a direct element of ensuring the blocking of the engine starting circuits (ignition, fuel supply and starter). The engine can only be started with the key from the car on which it is installed, since it has an electronic "friend or foe" identification circuit built into it.
Duplicate keys can be ordered at the BMW service station using the VIN code.
Caution! Do not remove the ignition key until the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
Starting the engine
Before starting the engine, it is necessary to check:
- operation of control devices when voltage is applied;
- presence of fuel in the tank (according to the device);
- the parking brake is applied;
- set the manual transmission gearshift lever to neutral or the automatic transmission selector to position "P";
- with automatic transmission press the brake pedal;
- at low outside temperatures, depress the clutch pedal.
Petrol engines
When starting the engine, do not press the accelerator pedal (gas).
When starting the M54 engine, do not limit yourself to turning on the starter too briefly (position "3" of the ignition key), but do not hold it in this position for more than 20 seconds. As soon as the engine starts, release the key.
When starting a cold engine at very low temperatures (below -15°C) and at high altitudes (more than 1000 m above sea level) it is recommended to keep the starter on for about 10 seconds.
The M62 engine starts automatically, just set the ignition key to position "3" ("Engine start") and immediately release it again.
If the battery voltage is low, the start may not work or be interrupted. In this case, start the engine from an external source, as described above.
If the engine does not start on the first attempt, then when trying again, keep the accelerator pedal pressed halfway.
Caution: Repeated or prolonged unsuccessful attempts to start the engine may damage the catalytic converter.
Do not warm up the engine at idle, but immediately start driving at moderate engine speeds. Neglect of this rule will lead to failure of the catalytic converter of exhaust gases
Diesel engine
When starting a diesel engine, it is necessary to keep the ignition key in position "2" until the indicator or message on the display goes out "Pre Heating" (Pre-start warm-up). If problems with starting occur, increase the time to 20 seconds. At very low engine temperatures, its starting time (position "3" of the ignition key) can be up to 40 seconds.
If the engine is warm, the indicator or message on the display "Pre-Heating" (Pre-start warm-up) do not light up, you can immediately turn the ignition key to position "3". The position of the accelerator pedal does not affect the engine starting process.
Do not warm up the engine at idle, but immediately start driving at moderate engine speeds. Neglect of this rule will lead to failure of the catalytic converter of exhaust gases (EG)-
The engines are switched off by turning the ignition key to position "0", but only when the car has come to a complete stop.