How to Turn Off the Auto Start-Stop Function in the New BMW 5 Series?
4 Answers
The method to turn off the auto start-stop function in the new BMW 5 Series is to simply press the auto start-stop button. The auto start-stop button is located in front of the gear lever, marked with a circle containing the letter 'A' and the word 'OFF' beside it. Mid-to-high-end models are equipped with both auto start-stop and auto hold functions, eliminating the need to press the brake pedal, thus reducing foot fatigue and improving the vehicle's fuel economy. The new BMW 5 Series is available in two versions: a fuel-powered version and a plug-in hybrid version, and offers two exterior packages: the M Sport package and the Luxury package. The car's dimensions are 4998mm in length, 1901mm in width, and 1559mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3070mm.
When driving the new BMW 5 Series, I noticed that the auto start-stop function defaults to on every time the car starts. Turning it off is actually quite simple. After getting in and starting the ignition, look down at the center console slightly below the middle, where there's a button with an 'A' symbol—usually grouped with the air conditioning buttons. Press it firmly, and the dashboard will display a 'Auto Start-Stop Deactivated' message. Although the steps aren't complicated, the hassle is that you have to repeat this process every time you restart the car, as the system doesn’t remember the last setting. I usually turn it off for daily city driving, especially during rush hour traffic jams, where frequent start-stop cycles can wear down the battery and reduce comfort. To permanently solve this memory issue, you’d need to visit a professional tuning shop to enable hidden programming.
Anyone who has driven a BMW 5 Series knows the auto start-stop can be annoying. I've figured out how to disable it: Within 30 seconds after engine startup, immediately locate the physical button near the air conditioning controls marked with an 'A' inside a circular arrow. When pressed, you'll feel distinct haptic feedback - that's when you won't hear the engine shutting down anymore. Quick action is crucial, otherwise the system reactivates automatically upon detecting driving intent. I strongly recommend disabling it before driving through waterlogged roads during rain - an automatic restart with water ingress could cause catastrophic engine damage. While manufacturers enable it by default for fuel efficiency metrics, most drivers like me prioritize comfort in real-world driving situations.
The auto start-stop deactivation button for the new BMW 5 Series is located in the gear lever area, featuring an illuminated 'A' icon. Pressing it triggers an animation on the central display to confirm deactivation status. Through multiple tests, I've observed that firmly depressing the brake pedal when stopping activates the system, whereas gentle braking to a halt keeps the engine running. While such nuanced operation can temporarily circumvent activation, manual deactivation remains the most reliable solution. Many are unaware that BMW's start-stop module connects to the battery sensor, and frequent activation may accelerate battery wear—particularly during winter short-distance commuting, where immediate deactivation upon starting is advisable. Permanent deactivation requires installing a start-stop eliminator module, though this voids the manufacturer's warranty.
