Get CONTROLS -> Driving Guide for BMW X1 SUV 2020

Driving

CONTROLS

Driving

All indicator lights in the instrument cluster go

out.

Vehicle features and

options

To save battery power when the engine is off,

switch off the ignition and any unnecessary elec‐

tronic systems/power consumers.

This chapter describes all standard, country-spe‐

cific and optional features offered with the series.

It also describes features that are not necessarily

available in your vehicle, for instance, due to the

selected options or country versions. This also

applies to safety-related functions and systems.

When using these functions and systems, the

applicable laws and regulations must be ob‐

served.

Safety measures

The ignition is switched off automatically in the

following situations while the vehicle is stationary

and the engine is off:

▷ When locking the vehicle, even if the low

beams are switched on.

▷ Shortly before the battery is discharged com‐

pletely, so that the engine can still be started.

Start/Stop button

▷ When opening or closing the driver door, if

the driver's safety belt is unbuckled and the

low beams are switched off.

Concept

▷ While the driver's safety belt is unbuckled

with driver's door open and low beams off.

Pressing the Start/Stop button

switches the ignition on or off and

starts the engine.

▷ When the front doors are opened if there is

no other person sitting in the front seats.

Steptronic transmission: the en‐

gine starts with the brake pedal

pressed when you press the Start/Stop button.

The low beams switch to parking lights after

some minutes of no use.

Steptronic transmission with a tap-operated se‐

lector lever, refer to page 111: when switching

off the ignition, the selector lever position P is

engaged automatically if the selector lever posi‐

tion R, D or M/S is engaged.

Ignition on

Steptronic transmission: press the Start/Stop

button, but do not press on the brake pedal at

the same time.

All vehicle systems are ready for operation.

Radio-ready state

General information

Most of the indicator/warning lights in the instru‐

ment cluster light up for a varied length of time.

To save battery power when the engine is off,

switch off the ignition and any unnecessary elec‐

tronic systems/power consumers.

In the radio-ready state, certain power consum‐

ers remain ready for operation.

Activating

With the engine running, press the Start/Stop

button.

Ignition off

Steptronic transmission: shift to selector lever

position P, press the Start/Stop button again

without stepping on the brake.

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If the engine is not running and the ignition is

switched on: the system automatically activates

radio-ready state when the door is opened if the

lights are switched off or the daytime running

lights are switched on.

Warning

An unsecured vehicle can begin to move and

possibly roll away. There is a risk of accident.

Before exiting, secure the vehicle against roll‐

ing.

Radio-ready state remains active if, for instance

the ignition is automatically switched off for the

following reasons:

In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured

against rolling away, follow the following:

▷ Opening or closing the driver's door.

▷ Unfastening of the driver's safety belt.

▷ Set the parking brake.

▷ On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,

turn the front wheels in the direction of the

curb.

▷ When automatically switching from low

beams to parking lights.

▷ On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,

also secure the vehicle, for instance with a

wheel chock.

Switching off automatically

The radio-ready state is switched off automati‐

cally in the following situations:

▷ If the driver's or front passenger door is

opened when exiting the vehicle, with the en‐

gine switched off manually.

NOTICE

In the case of repeated starting attempts or re‐

peated starting in quick succession, the fuel is

not burned or is inadequately burned. The cata‐

lytic converter can overheat. There is a risk of

damage to property. Avoid repeated starting in

quick succession.

▷ If the ignition is switched off manually with

the Start/Stop button.

▷ After approx. 8 minutes.

▷ When the vehicle is locked using the central

locking system.

▷ Shortly before the battery is discharged com‐

pletely, so that the engine can still be started.

Gasoline engine

Depending on the motorization, the full drive

power may not be available for approximately

30 seconds after starting the engine. In this case,

the vehicle will not accelerate as usual.

Starting the engine

Safety information

DANGER

Steptronic transmission

Starting the engine

If the exhaust pipe is blocked or ventilation is in‐

sufficient, harmful exhaust gases can enter into

the vehicle. The exhaust gases contain pollu‐

tants which are colorless and odorless. In en‐

closed areas, exhaust gases can also accumu‐

late outside of the vehicle. There is danger to

life. Keep the exhaust pipe free and ensure suf‐

ficient ventilation.

1. Depress the brake pedal.

2. Press the Start/Stop button.

The ignition is activated automatically for a brief

time and is stopped as soon as the engine starts.

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Steptronic transmission

Switching off the engine

1. When the vehicle is stationary, apply the

parking brake.

Engine stop

Safety information

Warning

2. Engage selector lever position P.

3. Press the Start/Stop button.

The engine is switched off.

Unattended children or animals in the vehicle

can cause the vehicle to move and endanger

themselves and traffic, for instance due to the

following actions:

The radio-ready state is switched on.

▷ Pressing the Start/Stop button.

▷ Releasing the parking brake.

Auto Start/Stop function

▷ Opening and closing the doors or win‐

dows.

Concept

▷ Engaging selector lever position N.

▷ Using vehicle equipment.

The Auto Start/Stop function helps save fuel.

The system switches off the engine during a

stop, for instance in traffic congestion or at traffic

lights. The ignition remains switched on. The en‐

gine starts automatically for driving off.

There is a risk of accidents or injuries. Do not

leave children or animals unattended in the ve‐

hicle. Take the vehicle key with you when exit‐

ing and lock the vehicle.

General information

After each engine start using the Start/Stop but‐

ton, the Auto Start/Stop function is ready.

Warning

An unsecured vehicle can begin to move and

possibly roll away. There is a risk of accident.

Before exiting, secure the vehicle against roll‐

ing.

The function is activated from speeds of approx.

3 mph/5 km/h.

Depending on the selected driving mode, the

system is automatically activated or deactivated.

In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured

against rolling away, follow the following:

After every start of the engine using the Start/

Stop button, the Auto Start/Stop function is in

the last selected state. When the Auto Start/Stop

function is active, it is available when the vehicle

is traveling faster than about 3 mph/5 km/h.

▷ Set the parking brake.

▷ On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,

turn the front wheels in the direction of the

curb.

Engine stop

▷ On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,

also secure the vehicle, for instance with a

wheel chock.

Functional requirements

The engine is switched off automatically during a

stop under the following conditions:

Steptronic transmission:

▷ The selector lever is in selector lever position

D.

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▷ The brake pedal remains depressed while the

vehicle is stopped.

▷ The external temperature is high and auto‐

matic climate control is running.

▷ The driver's safety belt is buckled or the driv‐

er's door is closed.

▷ The car's interior has not yet been heated or

cooled to the required level.

In order to be able to release the brake pedal, en‐

gage the selector lever in position P. The engine

remains off.

▷ The engine is not yet at operating tempera‐

ture.

▷ The wheels are at a sharp angle or the steer‐

ing wheel is being turned.

To continue driving depress the brake pedal.

When a gear is engaged, the engine starts auto‐

matically.

▷ After driving in reverse.

▷ Where there is a risk of window condensation

when the automatic climate control is

switched on.

The air flow from the air conditioner is reduced

when the engine is switched off.

▷ Vehicle battery is heavily discharged.

▷ At higher elevations.

Steptronic transmission: manual

engine stop

Depending on the vehicle equipment and coun‐

try version, the engine can be switched off man‐

ually, if the engine was not switched off automat‐

ically when the vehicle stopped:

▷ The hood is unlocked.

▷ HDC Hill Descent Control is activated.

▷ The parking assistant is activated.

▷ Stop-and-go traffic.

▷ Press the brake pedal forcefully again from

the current pedal position.

▷ Selector lever in selector lever position N,

M/S or R.

▷ Engage selector lever position P.

▷ Use of fuel with high ethanol content.

If all functional preconditions are fulfilled, the en‐

gine switches off.

Starting the engine

The engine starts automatically under the follow‐

ing conditions:

Displays in the instrument cluster

The READY display in the tach‐

ometer signals that the Auto

Start/Stop function is ready to

start the engine automatically.

▷ Steptronic transmission: by releasing the

brake pedal.

After the engine starts, accelerate as usual.

Safety mode

The display indicates that the

conditions for an automatic en‐

gine stop have not been met.

After the engine switches off automatically, it will

not start again automatically if any one of the fol‐

lowing conditions are met:

▷ The driver's safety belt is unbuckled and the

driver's door is open.

Functional limitations

▷ The hood was unlocked.

The engine is not switched off automatically in

situations such as the following:

Some indicator lights light up for a varied length

of time.

▷ In case of a steep downhill grade.

▷ External temperature too low.

The engine can only be started via the Start/Stop

button.

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Functional limitations

Activating/deactivating the

system manually

Even if driving off was not intended, the deacti‐

vated engine starts up automatically in the fol‐

lowing situations:

Using the button

▷ Excessive warming of the car's interior when

the air conditioning is switched on.

▷ When the steering wheel is turned.

▷ Steptronic transmission: change from selec‐

tor lever position D to R, N or M/S.

▷ Steptronic transmission: change from selec‐

tor lever position P to N, D, R or M/S.

▷ Where there is a risk of window condensation

when the automatic climate control is

switched on.

Press the button.

▷ Vehicle battery is heavily discharged.

▷ LED comes on: auto Start/Stop function is

deactivated.

▷ Excessive cooling of the car's interior when

the heating is switched on.

The engine is started during an automatic en‐

gine stop.

Intelligent Auto Start/Stop

function

The engine can only be stopped or started

via the Start/Stop button.

Depending on the vehicle equipment and coun‐

try-specific version, the vehicle features a variety

of sensors for assessing the traffic situation. The

Intelligent Auto Start/Stop function uses this in‐

formation to adapt to various traffic situations in a

proactive manner.

▷ LED goes out: auto Start/Stop function is ac‐

tivated.

Switching off the vehicle during an

automatic engine stop

During an automatic engine stop, the vehicle can

be switched off permanently, for instance when

leaving it.

For instance, this applies to the following situa‐

tions:

▷ If a situation is detected in which the stopping

time is expected to be very short, the engine

is not switched off automatically. A message

appears on the Control Display, depending

on the situation.

Steptronic transmission:

1. Engage selector lever position P.

2. Press the Start/Stop button. The ignition is

switched off. The Auto Start/Stop function is

deactivated.

▷ If a situation is detected in which the vehicle

needs to drive off immediately, the engine is

started automatically.

3. Set the parking brake.

Engine start as usual via Start/Stop button.

The function may be restricted if the navigation

data is invalid, outdated or not available, for ex‐

ample.

Automatic deactivation

In certain situations, the Auto Start/Stop function

is deactivated automatically for safety reasons,

for instance if no driver is detected.

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▷ Engaging selector lever position N.

▷ Using vehicle equipment.

Malfunction

The Auto Start/Stop function no longer switches

off the engine automatically. A Check Control

message is displayed. It is possible to continue

driving. Have the system checked by a dealer's

service center or another qualified service center

or repair shop.

There is a risk of accidents or injuries. Do not

leave children or animals unattended in the ve‐

hicle. Take the vehicle key with you when exit‐

ing and lock the vehicle.

Overview

Parking brake

Concept

The parking brake is used to prevent the vehicle

from rolling when it is parked.

Safety information

Warning

Parking brake

An unsecured vehicle can begin to move and

possibly roll away. There is a risk of accident.

Before exiting, secure the vehicle against roll‐

ing.

Setting

In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured

against rolling away, follow the following:

With a stationary vehicle

Pull the switch.

▷ Set the parking brake.

The LED lights up.

▷ On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,

turn the front wheels in the direction of the

curb.

The indicator light lights up red. The

parking brake is set.

▷ On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,

also secure the vehicle, for instance with a

wheel chock.

Depending on the stopping situation, the parking

brake is engaged automatically.

Steptronic transmission: in some parking situa‐

tions, the parking brake is automatically engaged,

when selector lever position P is engaged. In

these cases, the parking brake is released auto‐

matically when you leave the selector lever posi‐

tion P.

Warning

Unattended children or animals in the vehicle

can cause the vehicle to move and endanger

themselves and traffic, for instance due to the

following actions:

While driving

To use as emergency brake while driving:

▷ Pressing the Start/Stop button.

▷ Releasing the parking brake.

Pull the switch and hold it. The vehicle brakes

hard while the switch is being pulled.

▷ Opening and closing the doors or win‐

dows.

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The indicator light lights up red, a signal

sounds and the brake lights light up.

2.

Press the switch while stepping on the

brake pedal or selector lever position P is set.

A Check Control message is displayed.

It may take several seconds for the brake to be

reactivated. Some mechanical sounds associ‐

ated with this process are normal.

If the vehicle is decelerated to a complete stop,

the parking brake is engaged.

The indicator light in the instrument clus‐

ter goes out as soon as the parking brake

is ready for operation.

Releasing

Releasing manually

1. Switch on the ignition.

Turn signal, high beams,

headlight flasher

2.

Steptronic transmission: press the

switch while the brake is pressed or selector

lever position P is set.

Turn signal

The LED and indicator light go out.

The parking brake is released.

Turn signal in exterior mirror

When driving and during operation of the turn

signals or hazard warning system, do not fold in

the exterior mirrors, so that the signal lights on

the exterior mirror are easy to see.

Automatic release in cars with

Steptronic transmission

For automatic release, step on the accelerator

pedal.

The LED and indicator light go out.

Using turn signals

The parking brake is automatically released

when you step on the accelerator under the fol‐

lowing conditions:

▷ Engine on.

▷ Drive mode engaged.

▷ Driver buckled in and doors closed.

Malfunction

If the parking brake fails or malfunctions, secure

the vehicle against rolling before exiting.

Press the lever past the resistance point.

Canada: the lever returns into its starting position

after actuation. To switch off manually, slightly

tap the lever to the resistance point.

A Check Control message is displayed.

Secure the vehicle against rolling away, for in‐

stance with a wheel chock, after existing the ve‐

hicle.

Triple turn signal activation

Lightly tap the lever up or down.

After a power failure

The turn signal flashes three times.

The function can be activated or deactivated.

Re-activating the parking brake

1. Switch on the ignition.

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Via iDrive:

Wiper system

1. "My Vehicle"

2. "Vehicle settings"

3. "Lighting"

General information

Do not use the wipers if the windshield is dry, as

this may damage the wiper blades or cause them

to become worn more quickly.

4. "Exterior lighting"

5. "One-touch turn signal"

6. Select the desired setting.

Safety information

Settings are stored for the profile currently used.

Warning

Signaling briefly

If the wipers start moving in the folded away

state, body parts can be jammed or damage

may occur to parts of the vehicle. There is a risk

of injury or risk of damage to property. Make

sure that the vehicle is switched off when the

wipers are in the folded away state and the wip‐

ers are folded in when switching on.

Press the lever to the resistance point and hold it

there for as long as you want the turn signal to

flash.

Malfunction

Unusually rapid flashing of the indicator light indi‐

cates that a turn signal bulb has failed.

High beams, headlight flasher

Push the lever forward or pull it backward.

NOTICE

If the wipers are frozen to the windshield, the

wiper blades can be torn off and the wiper mo‐

tor can overheat when switching on. There is a

risk of damage to property. Defrost the wind‐

shield prior to switching the wipers on.

Switching on

▷ High beams on, arrow 1.

The high beams light up when the low beams

are switched on.

▷ High beams off/headlight flasher, arrow 2.

Press the lever up until the desired position is

reached.

▷ Resting position of the wipers, position 0.

▷ Intermittent operation or rain sensor, posi‐

tion 1.

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▷ Normal wiper speed, position 2.

▷ Fast wiper speed, position 3.

Safety information

When travel is interrupted with the wiper system

switched on: when travel continues, the wipers

resume at their previous speed.

NOTICE

If the rain sensor is activated, the wipers can

accidentally start moving in vehicle washes.

There is a risk of damage to property. Deacti‐

vate the rain sensor in vehicle washes.

Switching off and brief wipe

Activating

Press the lever down.

▷ Switching off: press the lever down until it

reaches its standard position.

Press the lever up once from its standard posi‐

tion, arrow 1.

▷ Brief wipe: press the lever down from the

standard position.

Wiping is started.

The lever automatically returns to its initial

position when released.

The LED in the wiper lever is illuminated.

In frosty conditions, wiper operation may not

start.

Interval mode or rain sensor

Concept

Deactivating

The rain sensor automatically controls the time

between wipes depending on the intensity of the

rainfall.

Press the lever back into the standard position.

Setting the frequency or sensitivity

of the rain sensor

General information

The sensor is located on the windshield, directly

in front of the interior mirror. Without the rain

sensor, the frequency of the wiper operation is

preset.

Turn the thumbwheel to adjust the frequency or

sensitivity of the rain sensor.

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Up: short interval or high sensitivity of the rain

sensor.

Windshield washer nozzles

The washer jets are automatically heated when‐

ever the ignition is switched on.

Down: long interval or low sensitivity of the rain

sensor.

Rear window wiper

Overview

Windshield and headlight

washer system

Safety information

Warning

The washer fluid can freeze onto the window at

low temperatures and obstruct the view. There

is a risk of accident. Only use the washer sys‐

tems, if the washer fluid cannot freeze. Use

washer fluid with antifreeze, if needed.

Switching on

Turn the outer switch upward.

NOTICE

▷ Resting position of the wiper, position 0.

When the washer fluid reservoir is empty, the

wash pump cannot work as intended. There is

a risk of damage to property. Do not use the

washer system when the washer fluid reservoir

is empty.

▷ Intermittent mode, arrow 1. When reverse

gear is engaged, the system switches to con‐

tinuous operation.

Clean the rear window

Turn the outer switch in the desired direction.

Cleaning the windshield

▷ In resting position: turn the switch downward,

arrow 3. The switch automatically returns to

its idle position when released.

▷ In intermittent mode: turn the switch further,

arrow 2. The switch automatically returns to

its interval position when released.

The function is deactivated if the washer fluid

reservoir level is low.

Fold-away position of the wipers

Concept

The fold-away position enables the wipers to be

folded away from the windshield.

Pull the lever.

The system sprays washer fluid on the wind‐

shield and activates the wipers briefly.

In addition, the headlights are cleaned at regular

intervals when the vehicle's lights are switched

on.

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3. Fold the wipers all the way away from the

windshield.

General information

Important, for instance when changing the wiper

blades or for folding away under frosty condi‐

tions.

Safety information

Warning

If the wipers start moving in the folded away

state, body parts can be jammed or damage

may occur to parts of the vehicle. There is a risk

of injury or risk of damage to property. Make

sure that the vehicle is switched off when the

wipers are in the folded away state and the wip‐

ers are folded in when switching on.

Folding down the wipers

After the wipers are folded back down, the wiper

system must be reactivated.

1. Fold the wipers back down onto the wind‐

shield.

NOTICE

2. Switch on the ignition.

If the wipers are frozen to the windshield, the

wiper blades can be torn off and the wiper mo‐

tor can overheat when switching on. There is a

risk of damage to property. Defrost the wind‐

shield prior to switching the wipers on.

3. Push wiper lever down. Wipers return to their

resting position and are ready again for oper‐

ation.

Canada: wiper system

Folding away the wipers

1. Switch the ignition on and off again.

General information

Do not use the wipers if the windshield is dry, as

this may damage the wiper blades or cause them

to become worn more quickly.

2. Press and hold the wiper lever down, until the

wipers stop in a close to vertical position.

Safety information

Warning

If the wipers start moving in the folded away

state, body parts can be jammed or damage

may occur to parts of the vehicle. There is a risk

of injury or risk of damage to property. Make

sure that the vehicle is switched off when the

wipers are in the folded away state and the wip‐

ers are folded in when switching on.

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NOTICE

The lever automatically returns to its initial posi‐

tion when released.

If the wipers are frozen to the windshield, the

wiper blades can be torn off and the wiper mo‐

tor can overheat when switching on. There is a

risk of damage to property. Defrost the wind‐

shield prior to switching the wipers on.

Interval mode or rain sensor

Concept

The rain sensor automatically controls the time

between wipes depending on the intensity of the

rainfall.

Switching on

General information

The sensor is located on the windshield, directly

in front of the interior mirror. Without the rain

sensor, the frequency of the wiper operation is

preset.

Safety information

NOTICE

Tap up the lever or press it past the resistance

point.

If the rain sensor is activated, the wipers can

accidentally start moving in vehicle washes.

There is a risk of damage to property. Deacti‐

vate the rain sensor in vehicle washes.

▷ Normal wiper speed: tap up once.

▷ Fast wiper speed: tap up twice or tap once

beyond the resistance point.

The lever automatically returns to its initial posi‐

tion when released.

Activating/deactivating

Switching off and brief wipe

Press the button on the wiper lever.

Wiping is started.

Press the lever down.

If the vehicle is equipped with a rain sensor: the

LED in the wiper lever is illuminated.

▷ To switch off from fast wiper speed: press

down twice.

In frosty conditions, wiper operation may not

start.

▷ To switch off from normal wiper speed: press

down once.

If a journey is interrupted with the rain sensor

switched on: if the trip is resumed within approx.

▷ Brief wipe: press down once.

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15 minutes, the rain sensor is automatically acti‐

vated again.

Cleaning the windshield

Setting the frequency or sensitivity

of the rain sensor

Pull the lever.

The system sprays washer fluid on the wind‐

shield and activates the wipers briefly.

In addition, the headlights are cleaned at regular

intervals when the vehicle's lights are switched

on.

Turn the thumbwheel to adjust the frequency or

sensitivity of the rain sensor.

Up: short interval or high sensitivity of the rain

sensor.

Windshield washer nozzles

The washer jets are automatically heated when‐

ever the ignition is switched on.

Down: long interval or low sensitivity of the rain

sensor.

Rear window wiper

Overview

Windshield and headlight

washer system

Safety information

Warning

The washer fluid can freeze onto the window at

low temperatures and obstruct the view. There

is a risk of accident. Only use the washer sys‐

tems, if the washer fluid cannot freeze. Use

washer fluid with antifreeze, if needed.

Switching on

Turn the outer switch upward.

NOTICE

When the washer fluid reservoir is empty, the

wash pump cannot work as intended. There is

a risk of damage to property. Do not use the

washer system when the washer fluid reservoir

is empty.

▷ Resting position of the wiper, position 0.

▷ Intermittent mode, arrow 1. When reverse

gear is engaged, the system switches to con‐

tinuous operation.

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Clean the rear window

Folding away the wipers

Turn the outer switch in the desired direction.

1. Switch the ignition on and off again.

▷ In resting position: turn the switch downward,

arrow 3. The switch automatically returns to

its idle position when released.

2. In frosty conditions, make sure that the

blades are not frozen to the windshield.

3. Press the wiper lever up past the point of re‐

sistance and hold it for approx. 3 seconds,

until the wipers remain in a nearly vertical po‐

sition.

▷ In intermittent mode: turn the switch further,

arrow 2. The switch automatically returns to

its interval position when released.

The function is deactivated if the washer fluid

reservoir level is low.

4. Fold the wipers all the way away from the

windshield.

Fold-away position of the wipers

Concept

The fold-away position enables the wipers to be

folded away from the windshield.

General information

Important, for instance when changing the wiper

blades or for folding away under frosty condi‐

tions.

Folding down the wipers

After the wipers are folded back down, the wiper

system must be reactivated.

Safety information

1. Fold the wipers back down onto the wind‐

shield.

Warning

2. Switch on the ignition.

If the wipers start moving in the folded away

state, body parts can be jammed or damage

may occur to parts of the vehicle. There is a risk

of injury or risk of damage to property. Make

sure that the vehicle is switched off when the

wipers are in the folded away state and the wip‐

ers are folded in when switching on.

3. Push wiper lever down. Wipers return to their

resting position and are ready again for oper‐

ation.

Washer fluid

General information

All washer nozzles are supplied from one reser‐

voir.

NOTICE

If the wipers are frozen to the windshield, the

wiper blades can be torn off and the wiper mo‐

tor can overheat when switching on. There is a

risk of damage to property. Defrost the wind‐

shield prior to switching the wipers on.

Use a mixture of tap water and windshield

washer concentrate. If desired, a windshield

washer concentrate containing antifreeze can be

used.

Recommended minimum fill quantity:

0.2 US gal/1 liter.

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trates or antifreeze. Follow the information and

mixing ratios provided on the containers.

Safety information

Warning

Overview

Some antifreeze agents can contain harmful

substances and are flammable. There is a risk

of fire and a risk of injury. Follow the instruc‐

tions on the containers. Keep antifreeze away

from ignition sources. Do not refill operating

materials into different bottles. Store operating

materials out of reach of children.

United States: the washer fluid mixture ratio is

regulated by the U.S. EPA and many individual

states; do not exceed the allowable washer fluid

dilution ratio limits that apply. Follow the usage

instructions on the washer fluid container.

The washer fluid reservoir is located in the en‐

gine compartment.

Use of BMW’s Windshield Washer Concentrate

or the equivalent is recommended.

Malfunction

The use of undiluted windshield washer concen‐

trate or alcohol-based antifreeze can lead to in‐

correct readings at temperatures below

+5 ℉/-15 ℃.

Warning

Washer fluid can ignite and catch fire on con‐

tact with hot engine parts. There is a risk of in‐

jury or risk of damage to property. Only add

washer fluid when the engine is cooled down.

Next, fully close the lid of the washer fluid res‐

ervoir.

Steptronic transmission

Concept

The Steptronic transmission combines the func‐

tions of an automatic transmission with the pos‐

sibility of manual shifting, if needed.

NOTICE

Silicon-containing additives in the washer fluid

for the water-repelling effect on the windows

can lead to damage to the washing system.

There is a risk of damage to property. Do not

add silicon-containing additives to the washer

fluid.

Safety information

Warning

An unsecured vehicle can begin to move and

possibly roll away. There is a risk of accident.

Before exiting, secure the vehicle against roll‐

ing.

NOTICE

Mixing different windshield washer concen‐

trates or antifreeze can damage the washing

system. There is a risk of damage to property.

Do not mix different windshield washer concen‐

In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured

against rolling away, follow the following:

▷ Set the parking brake.

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▷ On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,

turn the front wheels in the direction of the

curb.

back. The selector lever automatically returns to

the center position when released.

Selector lever position P is engaged automati‐

cally, refer to page 112, in certain situations.

▷ On uphill grades or on a downhill slope,

also secure the vehicle, for instance with a

wheel chock.

Selector lever positions

Drive mode D

Selector lever position for normal vehicle opera‐

tion. All gears for forward travel are activated au‐

tomatically.

Selector lever version

General information

Depending on the vehicle equipment, a trans‐

mission with either a latching selector lever or a

tap-operated selector lever is installed.

R is reverse

Engage selector lever position R only when the

vehicle is stationary.

Transmission with a latching

selector lever

Neutral N

The vehicle may be pushed or roll without power,

for instance in vehicle washes, refer to

page 114, in selector lever position N.

Parking position P

General information

Selector lever position, for instance for parking

the vehicle.

The selector lever positions P, R, N, and D are

selected by moving the selector lever into the re‐

spective selector lever position. The selector

lever engages in the selector lever positions.

The transmission blocks the drive wheels in se‐

lector lever position P.

Engage selector lever position P only when the

vehicle is stationary.

Transmission with a tap-operated

selector lever

Before exiting the vehicle, make sure that selec‐

tor lever position P is set. Otherwise, the vehicle

may begin to move.

Automatic parking position for a

transmission with a tap-operated selector

lever

Selector lever position P is engaged automati‐

cally in situations such as the following:

▷ After the engine is switched off when the ve‐

hicle is in the radio-ready state, refer to

page 97, or when the ignition is switched off,

The selector lever positions P, R, N, and D are

selected by tapping the selector lever forward or

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refer to page 97, while selector lever posi‐

tion R, D or M/S is engaged.

▷ Unintentional shifting from selector lever po‐

sition P into another selector lever position.

▷ If the driver's safety belt is unbuckled, the

driver's door is opened, and the brake pedal

is not pressed while the vehicle is stationary

and selector lever position D, M/S or R is en‐

gaged.

1. To release the selector lever lock: with the

brake pedal depressed, press the button on

the front of the selector lever.

▷ After the ignition has been switched off while

selector lever position N is engaged.

Engaging selector lever

positions: with a latching

selector lever

2. Move the selector lever into the desired posi‐

tion.

General information

To prevent the vehicle from creeping after you

select a drive mode, maintain pressure on the

brake pedal until you are ready to start.

Functional requirements

The selector lever can only be taken out of se‐

lector lever position P if the ignition is on or the

engine is running.

Engaging selector lever position D,

N, R, or P

With the vehicle stationary, depress the brake

pedal before shifting out of selector lever posi‐

tion P or N; otherwise, the shift block will not be

deactivated and the shift command will not be

executed.

Engaging selector lever

positions: with a tap-operated

selector lever

General information

A selector lever lock prevents the following faulty

operation:

To prevent the vehicle from creeping after you

select a drive mode, maintain pressure on the

brake pedal until you are ready to start.

▷ Unintentional shifting into selector lever posi‐

tion P or R.

Functional requirements

Only when the brake pedal is depressed is it

possible to change from selector lever position P

to another selector lever position.

Depending on the transmission version, the en‐

gine may have to be running too.

The selection lever position P cannot be

changed until all technical requirements are met.

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Engaging selector lever position D,

N, R

Engaging selector lever position P

A selector lever lock prevents the following faulty

operation:

▷ Unintentional shifting into selector lever posi‐

tion R.

▷ Unintentional shifting from selector lever po‐

sition P into another selector lever position.

1. Fasten driver's safety belt.

2. Press and hold the button to release the se‐

lector lever lock.

Press button P.

Rolling or pushing the vehicle

General information

In some situations, the vehicle is to roll without

its own power for a short distance, for instance in

a vehicle wash, or be pushed.

Engaging selector lever position N:

with a latching selector lever

1. Switch on the ignition.

3. Push the selector lever in the desired direc‐

tion, past a resistance point, if needed. The

selector lever automatically returns to the

center position when released.

2. If necessary, release the parking brake.

3. Depress the brake pedal.

4. Touch the selector lever lock and engage se‐

lector lever position N.

5. Release brake.

The vehicle can roll.

If there is a malfunction, you may not be able to

change the selector lever position.

Manually unlock the transmission lock, if needed,

refer to page 117.

Engaging selector lever position N:

with a tap-operated selector lever

1. Start the engine while pressing on the brake

pedal.

2. If necessary, release the parking brake.

3. Depress the brake pedal.

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4. Touch the selector lever lock and engage se‐

lector lever position N.

Activating the Sport program

5. Switch the engine off.

In this way, the ignition remains switched on,

and a Check-Control message is displayed.

The vehicle can roll.

NOTICE

Selector lever position P is automatically en‐

gaged when the ignition is switched off. There

is a risk of damage to property. Do not switch

ignition off in vehicle washes.

Press the selector lever to the left from selector

lever position D.

The engaged gear is displayed in the instrument

cluster, for instance S1.

Irrespective of the ignition, the selector lever po‐

sition P is automatically engaged after approx.

15 minutes.

The sport program of the transmission is acti‐

vated.

If there is a malfunction, you may not be able to

change the selector lever position.

Ending the Sport program

Push the selector lever to the right.

D is displayed in the instrument cluster.

Electronically unlock the transmission lock, if

needed, refer to page 117.

Kickdown

Kickdown is used to achieve maximum driving

performance.

Manual mode M/S

Concept

Step on the accelerator pedal beyond the resist‐

ance point at the full throttle position.

Manual gear-shifting is possible in manual mode.

Activating manual mode

1. Press the selector lever to the left from selec‐

tor lever position D, arrow 1.

Sport program M/S

Concept

The shifting points and shifting times in the

Sport program are designed for a sportier driving

style. The transmission, for instance shifts up

later and the shifting times are shorter.

2. Push the selector lever forward or pull it

backward, arrows 2.

Manual mode becomes active and the gear is

changed.

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The engaged gear is displayed in the instrument

cluster, for instance M1.

Shift paddles

Concept

The shift paddles on the steering wheel allow

you to shift gears quickly while keeping both

hands on the steering wheel.

Shifting

▷ To shift down: press the selector lever for‐

ward.

▷ To shift up: pull the selector lever rearwards.

General information

The transmission continues shifting automati‐

cally in certain situations, for instance when

speed limits are reached.

Shifting

The vehicle only shifts at suitable engine and

road speeds.

With a tap-operated selector lever: when M2 is

set manually while the vehicle is stationary, the

transmission will no longer shift back to M1. This

shifting behavior is retained until you engage M1

manually or exit M.

Short-term manual mode

In selector lever position D, actuating a shift pad‐

dle switches into manual mode temporarily.

Steptronic Sport transmission:

prevent automatic upshifting in M/S

manual mode

Once a particular engine speed is attained, M/S

manual mode is automatically upshifted as

needed.

After conservative driving in manual mode with‐

out acceleration or shifting via the shift paddles

for a certain amount of time, the transmission

switches back to automatic mode.

It is possible to switch into automatic mode as

follows:

The Steptronic Sport transmission does not au‐

tomatically upshift in M/S manual mode once the

maximum speed is reached, if one of the follow‐

ing conditions is met:

▷ Pull and hold right shift paddle.

▷ In addition to the briefly pulled right shift pad‐

dle, briefly pull the left shift paddle.

▷ DSC Dynamic Stability Control deactivated.

▷ Dynamic Traction Control DTC activated.

Continuous manual mode

In selector lever position S, actuating a shift pad‐

dle switches into manual mode permanently.

In addition, there is no downshifting for kick‐

down.

Shifting

With the appropriate transmission version, the

lowest possible gear can be selected by simulta‐

neously activating kickdown and operating the

left shift paddles. This is not possible by switch‐

ing briefly via the shift paddles from selector

lever position D to manual mode M/S.

Ending the manual mode

Push the selector lever to the right.

D is displayed in the instrument cluster.

▷ To shift up: briefly pull right shift paddle.

▷ To shift down: briefly pull left shift paddle.

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▷ The lowest possible gear can be selected by

pulling and holding the left shift paddle.

3. Using the screwdriver from the onboard vehi‐

cle tool kit, refer to page 261, press the yel‐

low release lever downward, arrow.

The selected gear is briefly displayed in the in‐

strument cluster, followed by the current gear.

Displays in the instrument

cluster

The selector lever position is dis‐

played, for example P.

4. Press the button on the front of the selector

lever and move the selector lever back

slightly.

Releasing the transmission lock

manually: with a latching

selector lever

If the selector lever is locked in selector lever po‐

sition P despite the ignition being switched on,

the brake pedal being depressed and the button

on the selector lever being pressed, the trans‐

mission lock can be unlocked manually:

Release the release lever.

5. Bring the selector lever into the desired posi‐

tion.

For additional information, see the chapter on

tow-starting and towing.

Releasing the transmission lock

electronically: with a tap-

operated selector lever

Before unlocking the transmission lock manually,

set the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from

rolling away.

1. Loosen the selector lever sleeve at the bot‐

tom from the center console.

General information

Electronically unlock the transmission lock to

maneuver vehicle from a danger area.

Before unlocking the transmission lock, set the

parking brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling

away.

Engaging selector lever position N

Unlocking is possible, if the starter can spin the

engine.

2. Lift the sleeve. Unplug the cable connector, if

needed.

1. Press and hold down brake pedal.

2. Press the Start/Stop button. The starter must

audibly start.

3. Press the button on the selector lever, ar‐

row 1, and press and hold the selector lever

into selector lever position N, arrow N, until

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selector lever position N is displayed in the in‐

strument cluster.

to reach the operating temperature needed for

Launch Control.

A Check Control message is displayed.

Start with launch control

While the engine is running:

1.

Press the button and select SPORT

with the Driving Dynamics Control.

TRACTION is displayed in the instrument

cluster in combination with SPORT and the

DSC OFF indicator light lights up.

2. Engage selector lever position S.

4. Release the selector lever.

3. With the left foot, forcefully press down on

the brake.

5. Release brake, as soon as the starter stops.

6. Maneuver the vehicle from the danger area

and secure it against moving on its own.

4. Press and hold down the accelerator pedal

beyond the resistance point at the full throttle

position, kickdown.

For additional information, see the chapter on

tow-starting and towing.

A flag symbol is displayed in the instrument

cluster.

Steptronic Sport transmission:

Launch Control

5. The starting engine speed adjusts. Within

3 seconds, release the brake.

Concept

Repeated use during a trip

Launch Control enables optimum acceleration

on surfaces with good traction under dry sur‐

rounding conditions.

After Launch Control has been used, the trans‐

mission must cool down for approx. 5 minutes

before Launch Control can be used again.

General information

After using Launch Control

The use of Launch Control causes premature

component wear since this function represents a

very heavy load for the vehicle.

To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC Dy‐

namic Stability Control again.

System limits

An experienced driver may be able to achieve

better acceleration values in DSC OFF mode.

Do not use Launch Control during the break-in,

refer to page 214, period.

To start with Launch Control, point the front

wheels straight forwards.

Functional requirements

Launch Control is available as soon as the engine

and transmission are at operating temperature.

Depending on the external temperature and driv‐

ing style, the engine and transmission require an

interrupted trip of up to 30 miles/50 km in order

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CONTROLS -> Driving for Your BMW X1 SUV 2020

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