What is the correct starting method for the new BMW X1?
4 Answers
The correct starting method for the new BMW X1 is as follows: 1. Starting/Stopping the engine. Starting: First press the brake pedal, then press the ignition switch. Stopping: Bring the vehicle to a stop and press the one-touch start button. To ensure smooth engine starting, all electrical devices will be temporarily turned off during the starting process. 2. Turning the power on/off. To turn on only the power, follow these steps: Starting: Press the one-touch start button without pressing the brake pedal. Stopping: Press the button again to turn off the ignition switch. The needle in the tachometer will move to the OFF position. 3. Correct gear shifting sequence when turning off the engine. ① Stop the vehicle → ② Press the brake pedal → ③ Shift to N gear → ④ Release the brake → ⑤ Engage the handbrake → ⑥ Turn off the engine → ⑦ Shift to P gear (Note: When parking on a slope, steps ④ and ⑤ should be reversed; also, shifting to P gear before turning off the engine is also acceptable). The reason for engaging the handbrake before shifting to P gear is that if P gear is engaged first, the vehicle may still move slightly, causing the mechanical components of the transmission to lock more tightly and subjecting the metal parts to greater impact forces. 4. Emergency shutdown function. In special circumstances, the engine can also be turned off when the vehicle is moving above 7 km/h. Press the ignition switch twice in quick succession, or press and hold it once for a long time.
As a BMW X1 owner, I find the starting process quite simple: First, sit in the car and make sure the gear is in P position to prevent accidental movement. Then firmly press the brake pedal – make sure it's fully depressed – and lightly press the start button near the steering wheel to fire up the engine. The whole process takes less than two seconds and is quite effortless. If the car doesn't start, it's usually because the key isn't inside the vehicle or has low battery; BMW's smart key needs to be nearby, otherwise the dashboard will give a reminder. I've also experienced using the physical key slot for emergency starting when the key battery was dead, but this rarely happens. After starting, the vehicle's self-check system runs; check if the dashboard indicator lights are normal. It's recommended to wait about 10 seconds after a cold start before driving to let the engine warm up and reduce wear. Additionally, BMW's auto start-stop function is enabled by default – the engine shuts off when stopped to save fuel, which helps significantly with daily commuting. Regular maintenance of the key battery and car battery is important to avoid embarrassing situations. New drivers might feel nervous at first, but they'll get familiar with practice – safety always comes first!
As someone who has driven many BMWs, I'd like to share some starting tips: First, make sure the brake pedal is firmly pressed to avoid startup failure or risks; gently press the start button, and the engine will run. The new X1 has thoughtful design—it simply won't start unless in P gear, which is a built-in safety mechanism. I've developed the habit of checking the gear and key position before starting to avoid trouble. After startup, illuminated dashboard indicators mean everything's normal; if the engine light stays on, I recommend getting it checked promptly—it might be a minor issue. In daily use, pay attention to key battery levels and replace them in time to avoid unnecessary hassle. BMW driving modes like Eco Pro affect startup smoothness; selecting fuel-saving mode results in a gentler startup, which is practical for saving fuel. I also recommend regular maintenance of the battery and control system to extend their lifespan; smooth startups make every trip more reassuring!
My little tip is: After getting in the car, sit quietly, make sure the key is inside the vehicle, press the brake pedal firmly, and then push the start button. The whole process is straightforward and efficient, perfect for busy daily routines. The engine responds quickly at startup with no noise interference, making it ideal for family use. If the car fails to start, check whether the key is close enough or if the brake pedal wasn't pressed firmly enough; BMW has sensors to detect these issues. A related suggestion is to set up the seat memory function, which automatically adjusts the position after startup, offering convenience and comfort. Occasionally, when the key battery is low, placing it near the cup holder area can improve sensing. After starting, utilize the auto start-stop feature to save fuel, and avoid aggressive acceleration when the engine is cold to protect it. These small details make driving smoother, and developing good habits saves time and effort!
