BMW 5 Series: Transmission positions - Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic - Driving - Controls - BMW 5 Series Owners ManualsBMW 5 Series: Transmission positions

D Drive, automatic position

Position for normal vehicle operation. All forward gears are available.

R is Reverse

Select only when the vehicle is stationary.

N is Neutral

Use in automatic car washes, for example. The vehicle can roll.

When the ignition is switched off, position P is engaged automatically.

P Park

Select only when the vehicle is stationary. The drive wheels are blocked.

P is engaged automatically:

▷ After the engine is switched off, if the car is in radio ready state, or if the ignition is switched off, and if position R or D is engaged.
▷ With the ignition is off, if position N is engaged.
▷ If the safety belt is unbuckled, the driver's door is opened, and the brake pedal is not pressed while the vehicle is stationary and transmission position R or D is engaged.

Before exiting the vehicle, make sure that position P of the automatic transmission is engaged.

Otherwise, the vehicle may begin to roll.

Kickdown

Kickdown is used to achieve maximum driving performance. Press on the gas pedal beyond the resistance point at the full throttle position.

    Engaging the transmission position
    ▷ Transmission position P can only be disengaged if the engine is running and the brake pedal is pressed. ▷ With the vehicle stationary, press on the brake pedal before shifting out ...

    See also:

    PTY (Program type) group tuning (only FM reception)
    Press the “PTY/CAT” button to change to the PTY selection mode. At this time, the PTY group that you are currently listening to will be displayed for 10 seconds. In PTY selection mode, “PT ...

    Vehicle Dynamics Control system
    WARNING Always use the utmost care in driving – overconfidence because you are driving with a Vehicle Dynamics Control system equipped vehicle could easily lead to a serious accident. CAUTION ...

    For owners
    Reporting safety defects for U.S. owners, and seat belt and SRS airbag instructions for Canadian owners ...