How to Use the Gear Shift in a BMW 5 Series?
4 Answers
BMW 5 Series gear shift operation method: 1. To engage D (Drive) gear, simply press the brake pedal and push the gear lever downward; 2. To engage P (Park) gear, press the P button on the gear knob. The BMW 5 Series is a mid-to-large-sized sedan equipped with a 2.0T 184-horsepower L4 engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It delivers a maximum power output of 135 kW, with an engine model number B48B20C. The vehicle's exterior dimensions are 5106mm in length, 1868mm in width, and 1500mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3105mm. It has a fuel tank capacity of 68 liters and a curb weight of 1705 kilograms.
I've been driving a BMW 5 Series for several years, and the gear operation is simple but requires attention to safety details. When starting, you must press the brake and hold the ignition button to ensure the gear is in the P position. While driving, shift to D for normal forward movement, and push the gear lever once to switch to S sport mode for quicker acceleration. When reversing, shift to R and use the rearview camera to slowly back up while checking the surroundings. When parking, always push the gear lever back to P, and the electronic parking brake will engage automatically to prevent rolling, especially on slopes. If you prefer manual driving, push the gear lever to the left into M mode, then use the steering wheel paddles to shift manually—right for upshifting and left for downshifting—making cornering and acceleration more fun. Remember to start and stop smoothly to avoid sudden braking, which affects comfort.
Buddy, I often take long trips in my 5 Series and the gear shifts feel fantastic. Hold the brake, start the engine while keeping it in P gear, then directly shift to D gear for daily driving—low fuel consumption and smooth performance. When I want some excitement, I push it to S gear, the RPM soars and the power surges dramatically. For reversing, just shift to R gear with 360-degree panoramic assist. Parking is a one-touch affair with the P gear. Manual mode with paddle shifters—downshifting for overtaking and upshifting for acceleration—is rarely used in daily driving but offers plenty of fun. The gear lever design is simple and hassle-free. Both starting and parking are automatically optimized to ensure safe driving.
When using our family's 5 Series to pick up the kids, gear operation should prioritize safety. Before starting, ensure it's in P (Park) gear, press the brake, and ignite. After starting, shift to D (Drive) gear and drive smoothly to avoid sudden acceleration or braking that could harm the little ones. When reversing, shift to R (Reverse) gear and move slowly to ensure there are no obstacles behind. Immediately after parking, push it back to P gear for the automatic handbrake to engage. We basically don't use S (Sport) or manual modes, keeping it simple and practical. Avoid experimenting with complex functions to ensure safe and smooth driving every time.
