System Components

Selector Lever: The selector lever is located on upper right of the steering column. Shift position N, D and R are possible. The parking lock P is operated with a push button on the end of the selector lever (2).

All gearshifts are electrically controlled - there is no mechanical connection to the gearbox from this lever . The positions are indicated in the instrument cluster.

Fig 1: Identifying Selector Lever

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Selector Lever Positions in Automatic Mode

The shift pattern consists of positions R, N, D and the corresponding arrows. The selector lever can be moved from its mid-position by pulling back towards the driver (1). The lever can then be moved in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction and returns from each position automatically to the mid-position. Position P is separated from the shift pattern and is activated by pressing the push button at the end of the selector lever (2).

Position R: With the brake pedal pressed, the selector lever must be pulled back and pressed as far as it will go in the counterclockwise direction (past detent).
Position N: With position R engaged, N can be engaged by pulling the selector lever back and pressing it in the clockwise direction (up to but not beyond detent). When position D is engaged, position N can be engaged by pulling the selector lever back and pressing it in the counterclockwise direction (up to but not beyond detent). When position P is engaged, position N can be engaged by pulling the selector lever back and pressing it in either direction.
Position D: With the brake pedal pressed, the selector lever must be pulled back and pressed as far as it will go in the clockwise direction (past detent).
Position P: Position P is engaged by pressing the push button integrated in the selector lever. The parking lock is released by depressing the brake pedal and engaging position R, N or D.

Special Features

The transmission can be shifted from the park position to position "N" only with the engine running (main pressure required) and the brake pedal depressed.

Automated Functions

The park position is automatically engaged when the ignition key is removed.
Position N is engaged automatically when the engine is turned off and the ignition is switched off with the key remaining in the lock. The park position is then automatically engaged after approximately 30 minutes. Position N can remain engaged for an additional 30 minutes if position N is selected again before the 30 minutes have elapsed.

L/D Push Button in MFL: US vehicles are equipped with the L mode (limiting function) which allows the driver to suppress certain shifts (ascending or descending steep grades).

Starting from position D, the limitation mode is selected by pressing the L/D push button. Initially, the current gear is retained and the vehicle will not upshift to a higher gear.

The system returns to the automatic mode by pressing the L/D button again or pressing the selector lever to position D.

Example: Position D is engaged and the gearbox is in 4th gear. After pressing the L/D push button in the MFL, 4th gear is retained and is the upper limit. Gears 1 through 4 will be shifted automatically when the vehicle is driven.

Fig 2: Identifying L/D Push Button In MFL

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

There are two push buttons integrated in the steering wheel facing the driver (ten and two o'clock position as shown above). The limitation stages are manually downshifted by pressing either of these buttons when the L mode is selected. It is not possible to upshift the limitation stages. There is no forced upshift when reaching the maximum engine speed.

When the L mode is selected, the indicator in the instrument cluster will illuminate to indicate L1 through L6.

Impermissible shift requests, such as a down shift that will cause the engine to exceed the maximum speed are suppressed by the transmission control module and are indicated only temporarily in the instrument cluster.

Position Indication with Shift Pattern: The engaged position is only indicated in the instrument cluster. Depending on what position is selected, the corresponding selection is illuminated in the shift pattern. The arrows indicating the possible movement directions of the selector lever are also illuminated. An additional indication is provided in the L mode.

Fig 3: Identifying Position Indication With Shift Pattern

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After switching on the ignition and starting the engine, the P or N positions and all of the arrows are indicated. In positions D or R, the single arrow for the shift direction to return to N is indicated (next to the N indicator).