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RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Automatic transmission4 - Sport programThis position is recommended if your
driving style is performance-oriented.3 and 2 - Shift limiterSelect this range when you wish to limit
gear changes (on steep uphill or down-
hill slopes, for instance). The transmis-
sion upshifts only as far as the selected
gear."Kickdown"
(automatic downshift) In the "Kickdown" mode, you achieve
maximum performance.
Press the accelerator pedal past the in-
creased resistance point at the full-
throttle position.Shift programsThe automatic transmission of your
BMW is equipped with the Adaptive
Transmission Control (ATC) as standard
equipment.When you select program A, the ATC
system automatically adapts to individ-
ual driving styles and road conditions to
provide optimal performance with the
selector lever at position D.
Because of this, the remaining selector
lever positions for forward driving are
only required in extreme situations such
as those listed in the description of po-
sition 2.
A - Adaptive programThis is the initial position that the trans-
mission selects at every start. In the po-
sitions for forward driving, the ATC
(Adaptive Transmission Control) auto-
matically selects the optimal gear from
different shift programs. To achieve
this, the system constantly adapts to
driver characteristics (such as a moder-
ate or performance-oriented driving
style), road condition factors (slick
roads or extreme slopes, for instance)
as well as the current driving situation
(winding roads or mountain travel, for
instance).
For details concerning ATC, please re-
fer to the chapter titled "Advanced
Technology" on page 184.
M – Manual programThis program is for driving in one gear
(4th gear when D has been selected).
The transmission then remains in the
selected gear both when underway and
when starting off. For instance, when
you make a steep ascent with the se-
lector lever in position 2, the transmis-
sion does not make undesired upshifts.
The same principle applies during oper-
ation on ice-covered roads: By placing
the selector lever in position 3 you can
move off gradually, and the transmis-
sion will also suppress subsequent
shifts into higher gears.Selector lever positionsPositions 4, 3 and 2 have the function of
enhanced control over shifting – control
which is desired and intentionally se-
lected.
The ATC also functions in these selec-
tor lever positions – of course with limi-
tations for gear selection imposed by
the lever position.
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Automatic transmissionSpecial functionsIn program A, the Adaptive Transmis-
sion Control influences several special
functions in the selection of the drive
gear.
With the system active, some shifts that
would be made in other modes will be
suppressed. The system also reacts to
special situations by executing shifts
that would not occur with a conven-
tional transmission.Control of the winter programA winter program is automatically se-
lected when the vehicle is operated on
slippery road surfaces (snow and ice).
When this program is active, the trans-
mission starts in 2nd gear and shifts
into the higher gears earlier. This pro-
gram improves response under winter
driving conditions by providing en-
hanced traction and vehicle stability.
ATC leaves the winter program when it
registers a high-traction road surface,
when the Sport program is selected and
when ASC+T/DSC is deactivated.
Electronic transmission control
moduleIf the message "TRANS. FAILSAFE
PROG" appears in the Check Control,
there is a fault in the gearshift electronic
system or in the transmission itself.
You can still place the selector lever in
all positions. However, it is possible
that not all gears are available for the
vehicle's forward drive.
If this happens, avoid extreme engine
loads and consult the nearest autho-
rized BMW center.
Do not work in the engine com-
partment when a drive gear (for-
ward or reverse) is engaged. If you do
this, the vehicle could move.<
For towing, tow-starting or jump-start-
ing the vehicle, refer to pages 179, 180.
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Automatic transmission with Steptronic
*
Before exiting the vehicle when
the engine is running, place the
selector lever in the "Park" or "Neutral"
position and apply the parking brake. If
you do not, the vehicle can move.
Do not leave the car unattended with
the engine running. An unattended ve-
hicle with a running engine represents a
potential safety hazard.<
P - ParkSelect "Park" only when the vehicle is
stationary. The transmission locks to
prevent the rear wheels from turning.R - ReverseSelect "Reverse" only when the vehicle
is stationary.N - NeutralSelect "Neutral" only if your journey is
interrupted for a longer period.D - Drive
(automatic shift program)This position is designed for driving un-
der all normal operating conditions. All
forward gears are available; the Adap-
tive Transmission Control (ATC) is fully
operational."Kickdown" (automatic downshift)In the "Kickdown" mode, you achieve
maximum performance.
Press the accelerator pedal past the in-
creased resistance point at the full-
throttle position.
M/S - Manual mode and
Sport ProgramWhen you change from "D" to M/S, the
Sport program is activated. This is indi-
cated by "D S" in the gear display. This
position is recommended if your driving
style is performance-oriented.
With the first brief touch, the automatic
transmission shifts from the Sport pro-
gram to manual mode.
When you move the selector lever for-
ward in the "+" direction, the transmis-
sion shifts up. When moved back in the
"–" direction, the transmission shifts
down.
Depending on the version, "1 to 5" or
"M1 to M5" appears in the gear display.380de659