User Manual Part 1

Driving
60
Starting the engine
Do not allow the engine to run in
enclosed spaces. The exhaust gases
contain carbon monoxide, an odorless and
colorless, but highly toxic gas. Breathing
the exhaust gases poses an extreme health
risk, and can lead to unconsciousness and
death.
Never leave the vehicle parked with the
engine running, as it would then pose a
potential safety hazard.<
1. Insert the remote control unit all the way
into the ignition lock
2. Depress the brake pedal
3. Maintain pressure on the brake pedal
and briefly press the start/stop button.
You can release the brake pedal as soon as
the engine starts.
Your BMW is equipped with the
convenience starting feature. After
depressing the brake pedal, all you need to
do is briefly press the start/stop button.
The system responds by automatically
engaging the starter and allowing it to run
until the engine starts, after which it then
disengages automatically.
The automatic starting mode will not
operate or will be canceled if the battery
voltage is low. It is then possible to start the
engine using electrical power from an
outside source, refer to page 193.
The engine starts immediately in response
to pressure on the button at speeds of
roughly 3 mph/5 km/h and above. It is not
necessary to depress the brake pedal.<
Do not allow the engine to warm up by
leaving it running while the vehicle remains
stationary. Instead, begin to drive immedi-
ately at a moderate engine speed.
Under the following conditions you should
press the accelerator pedal halfway down
when starting:
> If the engine fails to start on the first
attempt, for instance, if it is very hot or cold
> During a cold start at high altitudes, from
approx. 3281 ft/1000 m, at very low
temperatures, from approx. +5 7/–15 6.
Refrain from starting the vehicle
repeatedly at brief intervals, and
avoid an excessive number of starting
attempts if the vehicle fails to start;
repeated activation of the starter over an
extended period would allow unburned or
only partially combusted fuel to enter the
catalytic converter, where it can cause
overheating and damage to the unit.<
Switching off the engine
With the vehicle stationary, briefly press the
start/stop button. This also activates the
radio mode.
Should exceptional circumstances
render it necessary for you to switch
off the engine while the vehicle is moving,
press the start/stop button for approx.
1 second.
If you maintain pressure on the start/stop
button for longer than two seconds while
switching off the ignition, the remote
control unit will be ejected.<
Always remove the remote control
unit from the ignition lock before
leaving the vehicle.<
Parking brake
The concept
Your BMW is equipped with an electrome-
chanical parking brake.
The parking brake is primarily intended to
prevent the vehicle from rolling while
parked.
ba.book Seite 60 Dienstag, 29. Januar 2002 4:03 16
Online Edition for Part No. 01400156660 – © 01/02 BMW AG