What is the correct procedure to start and turn off a BMW?
2 Answers
The correct procedure to start and turn off a BMW: When the car is stationary, directly shift the gear into P (Park) position, then engage the electronic parking brake, and press the one-touch start button to turn off the engine. Since BMW uses an electronic gear lever, the gear lever cannot be shifted once the power is cut off, so there is no need to shift to N (Neutral) before shifting to P (Park). When the vehicle's transmission lever is in the P position, you must press the brake pedal to proceed with the operation. If the brake pedal is not pressed, the car's engine cannot be turned off. If the brake pedal is not pressed or the transmission is not in P position, the car will not turn off, and the onboard computer will prompt the driver to shift to P position before turning off the engine. In the Chinese market, the BMW models available include the 1 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, X1, X3, X5, X6, Z4, and the 1M, M3, M5, M6, X5M, X6M.
As an ordinary BMW owner for five years, my engine startup procedure is simple: sit in the driver's seat, ensure the gear is in P or N position, firmly press the brake pedal, and lightly press the start button to ignite the engine. After starting, check the dashboard to confirm everything is normal. Shutting down is even more crucial: after driving to the destination and parking securely, first shift to P gear, turn off the air conditioning, radio, and all electronic devices like screens or chargers, and only then press the engine stop button. This protects the battery and engine components, preventing premature aging and costly repairs. I make it a habit to check both inside and outside the car for safety every time I start or shut down the engine, cultivating good practices to extend my BMW's lifespan—after all, it's a significant investment. Friends say my routine is too detailed, but small precautions prevent big problems.
