BMW M5 2002, Owner'S Manual

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Overview
Controls
Maintenance
Repairs
Data
Index
Starting the engine Switching off the engine
Starting engine
Do not press the accelerator pedal
while starting the engine.
While it is important not to release
the key prematurely, you should
also avoid allowing the starter to
operate continuously for more than
20 seconds at a time. Release the igni-
tion key immediately when the engine
starts.
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Do not warm up the engine by allowing
it to run with the vehicle parked.
Instead, you should drive away immedi-
ately while taking care to avoid high
engine speeds until the engine warms
to its normal operating temperature.
If the engine does not start on the first
attempt (the engine is very hot or cold,
for instance):
>
Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
Cold starts at extremely low tempera-
tures of r5
7
(–15
6
) or below
and at altitudes of over 3,300 ft
(1,000 m):
>
Allow the starter to turn somewhat
longer (approximately 10 seconds)
during your initial starting attempt.
The engine's idle speed is automatically
regulated by the computerized engine-
management system. A brief period at
high idle is normal just after starting; the
idle speed should gradually return to
normal as the engine warms. Should
the engine fail to revert to its normal
idle speed after warming, a problem
may exist: please refer the problem to
your BMW center.
To prevent the battery from discharging,
always switch off any electrical devices
not in use, as well as the ignition when
the vehicle is not being driven.
Extended starting attempts, char-
acterized by excessively frequent
or long periods with the starter
engaged, can lead to catalyst
damage.
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When driving, standing at idle,
and parking the vehicle, take care
to avoid contact between the exhaust
system and flammable materials (grass,
hay, leaves, etc.). Such contact could
lead to a fire, resulting in serious
personal injury and property damage.
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Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Do not remove the ignition key
while the vehicle is still moving. If
you do so, the steering will lock, making
it impossible to steer the vehicle.
When you leave the vehicle, always
remove the ignition key and engage the
steering lock.
Always engage the parking brake
when parking on hills and inclined
surfaces, as even first gear or reverse
may not provide adequate resistance to
rolling.
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