Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Passive Go
In order to switch the terminal and/or start up the engine, the ID transmitter must simply be located inside the vehicle (not necessarily in the slot).
On the following models, the luggage compartment counts as part of the interior: E61, E70, E81, E87, E91.
On all other models, it is not possible to start the engine if an ID transmitter is detected in the luggage compartment.
In principle, the authenticity check required is the same as that for Passive Entry (except that it is run via the interior aerials).
If there are no ID transmitters inside the vehicle when the START-STOP button is pressed: Check-Control message on instrument cluster.
Press the START/STOP button to switch the terminals. The terminal switching sequence is as follows: 0 -> terminal R -> terminal 15 -> terminal R -> 0.
The START/STOP button must be pressed for approximately 500 ms in order to start up the engine. The clutch pedal or brake pedal (manual transmission or automatic transmission respectively) must be depressed at the same time.
The engine may be started up in any terminal position.
Once the engine has been switched off, it may be restarted within 5 seconds even if no ID transmitter is detected inside the vehicle (i.e. no valid drive authorization). This safety measure is required for possible emergencies.
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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