How to Turn Off BMW Engine Auto Start-Stop?

[QuinnRose]

BMW engine auto start-stop can be turned off by pressing the "A-off" button located on the engine start button. Below is relevant information about auto start-stop: 1. Description: The system automatically shuts off the engine when temporarily stopping during driving, and restarts it when needing to proceed. 2. Notes: It's recommended to avoid using auto start-stop when driving on steep slopes.

[DeNicole]

Every time I drive my BMW out, I have to deal with that auto start-stop function first. It always shuts off the engine at red lights and then jerks uncomfortably when restarting, especially annoying in city traffic jams. So I've developed a habit: right after starting the engine, I immediately go to the center console to find the button with an 'A' symbol, usually near the gear lever, and press it until the light comes on to indicate it's disabled. If I can't find it, I go into the iDrive system on the dashboard screen, select Vehicle Settings—Engine—and turn off the auto start-stop option. Note that you have to do this every time you start the car; it can't be permanently disabled. I've heard that frequent starts might accelerate battery drain and engine wear, so it's better to turn it off for peace of mind. Try it out—your drive will be smoother, and you'll make less noise disturbing others.

[Gabrielle]

From a technical perspective, auto start-stop is designed for fuel efficiency and environmental protection, but it has many drawbacks in practical use. I always turn it off immediately because the repeated engine starts and stops can lead to overheating of the starter motor and reduced battery lifespan. BMW owners can simply press the 'A Off' button on the center console after starting the engine to disable it, with the location varying by model: for example, it's next to the gearshift in the 3 Series and below the screen in the X5. A more advanced method is to navigate to the settings menu in iDrive and select the turn-off function. Remember, you'll need to reset it every time you start the engine—don't expect a permanent shutdown unless you use professional tools to rewrite the code, which is not recommended. This approach protects hardware, ensures a quieter ride on long trips, and avoids the conflict between fuel savings and comfort.

[McKaden]

When I first started driving a BMW, the auto start-stop feature always left me flustered. The engine stopping and starting again felt really odd. Later, I figured out a simple way to turn it off: after starting the car, quickly locate the button on the center console, usually labeled 'Auto Stop Start Off', and press it once until the light comes on. If you can't find it, check the user manual or search online for your BMW model's guide. You'll need to do this every time you start the car, as it can't be permanently disabled. Turning it off made the driving experience much better, so I recommend new drivers give it a try despite the minor hassle.

[Jimenez]

I often take my kids out in a BMW, but the auto start-stop is quite annoying—the engine restarting sound can startle the baby. So, I always turn it off right after starting the car: most BMW models have a dedicated button labeled 'A Off' in a prominent spot on the center console—just press it to disable. For the electronic system, go into the iDrive vehicle settings and select to turn it off. Make it a habit to switch it off to avoid sudden jolts. Especially when traveling with kids, comfort and safety come first—this feature saves little fuel but causes big annoyances.