Auto Start Stop function

The Auto Start Stop function in the BMW 5 Series G30 actively helps save fuel. This chapter explains in detail the requirements for automatic engine stop and start as well as the limits and exceptions of the function. The intelligent interaction with driving modes and climate control is also described – for efficient and environmentally conscious driving.

Principle

The Auto Start Stop function helps save fuel. For this purpose, the system switches off the engine during a stop, e.g. in traffic jams or at traffic lights. Ready mode remains switched on.

To pull away, the engine starts automatically.

General

After every engine start using the Start/Stop button, the Auto Start Stop function is in standby.

The function is activated from approx. 5 km/h.

Depending on the selected driving mode, the system is automatically activated or deactivated.

Engine stop

Prerequisites for operation

Steptronic transmission

The engine is switched off automatically during a stop under the following conditions:

• Selector lever in position D.
• Brake pedal remains depressed while the vehicle is stationary or the vehicle is held by Automatic Hold.
• Driver's seat belt is fastened or driver's door is closed.

Manual transmission

The engine is switched off automatically during a stop under the following conditions:

• Neutral is engaged and clutch pedal is not depressed.
• Driver's seat belt is fastened or driver's door is closed.

Steptronic transmission: Manual engine stop

If the engine was not switched off automatically when the vehicle came to a stop, the engine can be switched off manually:

• Quickly depress the brake pedal further from its current position.
• Engage selector lever position P.

When all functional requirements are met, the engine is switched off.

Climate control with engine switched off

With the engine switched off, the air volume of the climate control is reduced.

Displays in the instrument cluster

General

The display in the tachometer indicates that the Auto Start Stop function is ready for automatic engine start.

The display indicates that the requirements for an automatic engine stop are not met.

Total time with engine switched off

With appropriate equipment, in ECO PRO driving mode, during an automatic engine stop, the total time that the engine has been switched off by the Auto Start Stop function is displayed.

After refueling, the total time is automatically reset.

System limitations

The engine is not switched off automatically in the following situations:

• On steep downhill gradients.
• Brake pedal not depressed firmly enough.
• High outside temperature and automatic climate control in operation.
• Interior not yet heated or cooled to the desired temperature.
• When window fogging is imminent.
• Engine or other components not at operating temperature.
• Engine cooling is required.
• Steering wheel turned sharply or steering maneuver in progress.
• Vehicle battery heavily discharged.
• At high altitudes.
• Hood is unlocked.
• Parking assistant is activated.
• Stop-and-go traffic.
• Steptronic transmission: Selector lever position N or R.
• After reversing.
• Use of fuel with a high ethanol content.

Engine start

Prerequisites for operation

Steptronic transmission

To pull away, the engine starts automatically under the following conditions:

• By releasing the brake pedal.
• With Automatic Hold activated: depress the accelerator pedal.

Manual transmission

To pull away, the engine starts automatically under the following conditions:

• By depressing the clutch pedal.

Pulling away

After the engine starts, accelerate as usual.

Safety function

After automatic stop, the engine does not start automatically if one of the following conditions is met:

• Driver's seat belt unfastened and driver's door opened.
• Hood has been unlocked.

Some indicator lights illuminate for varying lengths of time.

The engine can only be started using the Start/Stop button.

System limitations

Even if the vehicle is not to pull away, the switched-off engine starts automatically in the following situations:

• Interior heating up strongly with cooling function switched on.
• Interior cooling down strongly with heating switched on.
• When window fogging is imminent.
• When steering.
• Steptronic transmission: Shifting selector lever position from D to N or R.
• Steptronic transmission: Shifting selector lever position from P to N, D or R.
• Vehicle battery heavily discharged.
• Starting an oil level check.

Intelligent Auto Start Stop function

Depending on equipment and country variant, the vehicle has various sensors for detecting the traffic situation. This allows the Intelligent Auto Start Stop function to adapt to different traffic situations and, if necessary, to act in a predictive manner.

For example, in the following situations:

• If a situation is detected in which the stop duration is expected to be very short, the engine is not switched off automatically.

Depending on the situation, a message is shown on the Control Display.

If a situation is detected in which the vehicle is to move off immediately, the engine that has been switched off is started automatically.

Deactivating/activating the system manually

Principle

The engine is not switched off automatically.

The engine is started during an automatic engine stop.

Using the button

Press the button.

Steptronic transmission: Using the selector lever position

The Auto Start Stop function is also deactivated in selector lever position M/S.

Using the Driving Experience control

The Auto Start Stop function is also deactivated in SPORT driving mode of the Driving Experience control.

Display

• LED on: Auto Start Stop function is deactivated.
• LED off: Auto Start Stop function is activated.

Parking the vehicle during an automatic engine stop

General

During an automatic engine stop, the vehicle can be parked safely, e.g. in order to leave it.

Steptronic transmission

1. Press the Start/Stop button.

• Driving readiness is switched off.
• Operational readiness is switched on.
• Selector lever position P is engaged automatically.

2. Apply the parking brake.

Manual transmission

1. Press the Start/Stop button.

• Driving readiness is switched off.
• Operational readiness is switched on.

1. 1
   Engage first gear or reverse gear.
2. 2
   Apply the parking brake.

Automatic deactivation

General

In certain situations, the Auto Start Stop function is deactivated automatically to ensure safety, e.g. when it is detected that no driver is present.

Malfunction

The Auto Start Stop function no longer switches off the engine automatically. A Check Control message is shown. Driving is possible. Have the system checked by a BMW service partner or another qualified service partner or a specialist workshop.

The Auto Start Stop function of the BMW 5 Series (G30/G31) combines comfort with efficiency. By switching off the engine automatically in suitable situations, fuel consumption and emissions are reduced without the driver having to give up any comfort.

Intelligent sensors adapt to the traffic situation and ensure that the engine is always active when it is needed. In this way, the BMW 5 Series (G30/G31) underlines its claim to be a modern and environmentally conscious vehicle.

FAQ

Question 1: When does the Auto Start Stop function deactivate automatically?

Answer: For example, on steep gradients, with high air conditioning use, or when the battery is insufficiently charged.

Question 2: Can I deactivate the Auto Start Stop function myself?

Answer: Yes, this is possible using a button or the SPORT driving mode.