Starting the Engine - Vehicles with Gasoline Engines

Do not depress the accelerator pedal when starting the engine.

Do not warm up the engine at idle; drive off immediately at moderate engine speed.

X5 3.0i:

Do not engage the starter for too short a time, but do not keep it engaged for longer than 20 seconds. As soon as the engine starts, release the key immediately.

X5 4.4i, 4.8is:

Your BMW is equipped with a Comfort Start system. Turn the ignition key to position 3 and release it immediately. The starter engages automatically for a certain time and disengages automatically as soon as the engine starts.

If the engine does not start on the first attempt (for example, if it is too cold or too hot), then on the repeated attempt:

hold the accelerator pedal depressed to approximately half of its travel.

Starting a cold engine at very low temperatures (below 15 °F) and at high altitude (above 1000 m / 3300 ft above sea level):

► on the first starting attempt, keep the starter engaged for approximately 10 seconds; ► hold the accelerator pedal depressed to approximately half of its travel.

Avoid repeated unsuccessful starting attempts, since the fuel then does not burn completely, which may lead to overheating and damage to the catalytic converter.