What is the correct procedure for parking and turning off a BMW?
2 Answers
The correct steps for parking and turning off a BMW: 1. Press the brake pedal and wait for the car to come to a complete stop, then shift into N (Neutral) gear; 2. Engage the electronic parking brake, press the ignition button to turn off the engine, and shift into P (Park) gear; 3. Wait for the dashboard lights to return to the zero position, then remove the key. The parking brake works by pulling a steel cable or similar mechanism to engage the rear brakes or a separate parking brake system, where the calipers press against the brake pads or lock the separate parking brake system to secure the vehicle. Taking the BMW 5 Series as an example, its body dimensions are 5087mm in length, 1868mm in width, and 1500mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3108mm. In terms of suspension, the BMW 5 Series features a double-wishbone independent front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension.
I've always been very meticulous about the correct steps to park a BMW. First, find a safe spot to slow down and stop, making sure to fully depress the brake pedal to bring the car to a complete halt. Then, shift into P (Park) gear to avoid transmission damage—this step is crucial. Next, engage the electronic parking brake; BMWs usually have this feature, and whether you manually pull it or set it to automatic is fine. After that, turn off all unnecessary equipment like the air conditioning and radio to preserve battery life. Then press the engine stop button—BMWs have a push-to-start design, and you'll hear a sound confirming shutdown. Finally, check that all doors and windows are locked; the dashboard will display a system shutdown message right after turning off the engine. The whole process takes just seconds but ensures safety and maintenance. Personally, I make it a habit to confirm the surroundings are safe before shutting off, especially when parking on slopes—the electronic parking brake prevents rollback, which is very practical. BMW’s smart system also automatically manages the electrical circuit after shutdown to prevent battery drain. Regularly checking these details helps keep the car more durable.