BMW 5 Series: Selector lever positions
Drive mode D
Selector lever position for normal vehicle operation.
All gears for forward travel are activated automatically.
R is reverse
Engage selector lever position R only when the
vehicle is stationary.
Neutral N
The vehicle may be pushed or roll without power, for instance in vehicle
washes in selector lever position N.
Parking position P
Selector lever position, for instance for parking
the vehicle. The transmission blocks the drive
wheels in selector lever position P.
Engage selector lever position P only when the
vehicle is stationary.
Selector lever position P is engaged automatically
in situations such as the following:
- After the drive-ready state is switched off and
selector lever position R, D or M/S is engaged.
- 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 engaged.
- After the standby state has been switched off
when selector lever position N is engaged.
Engaging selector lever
positions
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
Only when the drive-ready state is switched on
and the brake pedal is depressed is it possible to
change from selector lever position P to another
selector lever position.
The selection lever position P cannot be
changed until all technical requirements are met.
Engaging selector lever position D,
N, R
A selector lever lock prevents the following faulty
operation:
- Unintentional shifting into selector lever position
R.
- Unintentional shifting from selector lever position
P into another selector lever position.
1. Fasten driver's safety belt.
2. Press and hold the button to release the selector
lever lock.
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3. Push the selector lever in the desired direction,
past a resistance point, if needed. The
selector lever automatically returns to the
center position when released.
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Engaging selector lever position P

Press button P.
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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
1. Switch on
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.
Activa
Concept
The shift paddles on the steering wheel allow
you to shift gears quickly while keeping both
hands on the steering wheel.
General information
Shifting
The vehicle only shifts at suitable engine
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Front center LED
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Tweeter, front right
Mirror triangle LED, front righ
General information
Mobile devices with a USB port are connected to
the USB interface.
Mobile phones.
The snap-in adapter features a separate USB
port that is automatically connected when a
compatible mobile phone is inserted.
Audio devices such as MP3 players.
USB storage devices.
Common fi