BMW serie 3 sedan 2001 Manuale Utente

Automatic transmission with Steptronic

You have the option of driving with a
normal automatic transmission or
switching to manual.

When you move the selector lever from
the "D" position to the left into the M/S
range, the performance-oriented shift
programs of the automatic transmission
are engaged. As soon as you briefly
touch the selector lever in the "+" or "–"
direction, Steptronic changes the gear.
The manual mode is engaged. When-
ever you want to use automatic again,
just shift the selector lever toward the
right to position D.

The automatic transmission with Step-
tronic is equipped with ATC (Adaptive
Transmission Control). ATC reacts with
precision to your individual driving style
and the current driving conditions. It is
for this reason that various shift
programs are used.

For additional details concerning the
ATC, please refer to the chapter
"Advanced technology" on page

178

Selector lever positions

P R N D M/S + –

Starting the engine

The engine can only be started in
selector lever positions P ("Park") or N
("Neutral").

Range selection

A detent prevents inadvertent shifts into
certain selector lever positions. To
disengage the detent, press the button
on the front of the shift knob (arrow).

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While the vehicle is stationary and
before shifting out of "Park" or

"Neutral," depress the footbrake in
order to disengage the selector lever's
lock mechanism (Shiftlock).
Hold the footbrake down until starting
off. Otherwise the vehicle will "creep"
when a drive position is engaged.

If you leave the vehicle with the
engine running, move the selector

lever to the "Park" or "Neutral" position
and apply the parking brake. If you fail
to do this, the vehicle could move.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended
with the engine running. An unattended
vehicle with a running engine repre-
sents a major potential safety hazard.

P Park

Select only when the vehicle is
stationary. The transmission locks to
prevent the rear wheels from turning.

R Reverse

Select only when the vehicle is
stationary.

N Neutral

Select only if your journey is interrupted
for a long period.