Automatic Transmission with Steptronic

In addition to automatic mode, this transmission features a Steptronic manual shift mode.

Selector Lever Positions P R N D M/S. The gear indication depends on vehicle equipment.

Engine Starting: The engine can only be started in positions P or N.

Changing Selector Lever Positions

The transmission is equipped with a lock that prevents accidental engagement of positions R and P.

To release the lock, press the button on the front of the selector lever, see arrow.

Shiftlock: Moving the selector lever out of positions P and N with the vehicle stationary is only possible with the brake pedal depressed.

Keep the brake pedal depressed until you are ready to start moving, because the vehicle is ready to move immediately once a drive position is engaged.

Before leaving the vehicle with the engine running, move the selector lever to position P and apply the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from moving unintentionally.

Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running. In this condition, it becomes a potential source of danger.

P: Park Position. Engage this position only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop. In this position, the drive wheels are locked.

R: Reverse Gear. Engage this position only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.

N: Neutral Position (engine idle). Engage this position, for example, at car wash facilities. In this position, the vehicle is not secured against rolling away.

D: Drive Position with Automatic Gear Shifting. This is the normal driving position. All forward gears shift automatically.

Kickdown: The kickdown function provides maximum acceleration.

To activate it, press the accelerator pedal past the full-throttle point, overcoming some resistance.

Sport Program and Manual Mode M/S

Move the selector lever from position D to the left onto the M/S line: the sport program is activated and the DS indicator appears in the instrument cluster. This position is recommended for drivers who prefer a dynamic driving style.

Pressing the lever in the "+" or "–" direction activates the Steptronic manual mode. Depending on vehicle equipment, the following indication appears in the instrument cluster:

► 1–5 or 1–6;
► M1–M5 or M1–M6.

Malfunctions

The warning lamp illuminates and the message "TRANS. FAILSAFE PROG" (Transmission Fail-Safe Program) appears on the self-diagnostic system display:

A transmission fault has occurred. Avoid high loads. All selector lever positions remain engageable, however gear selection in the forward drive positions is limited.

Have the vehicle inspected by a BMW service center as soon as possible.

For jump starting and towing, see page 177 onward.