How to turn on BMW ignition, accessories without starting engine

If your BMW is equipped with a Start/Stop button you may wonder how do you turn on the dashboard lights, radio, cigarette outlet without starting the car.

On older BMWs, you would turn the key one click, which was the position I or also known as accessory position. In this guide, you will learn how to turn BMW accessories on (not start the engine) if your car has START/STOP.

The procedure to turn BMW ignition on is very simple. 

BMW has Automatic Transmission

1. Get into the car.
2. Do not press the brake pedal
3. Press the Start/Stop button. Twice if necessary.
4. Ignition will turn on; the engine will not start

BMW has Manual Transmission

1. Get into the car
2. Do not press the clutch pedal
3. Press the Start/Stop button
4. BMW ignition will turn on will not start.

Make sure to not keep the ignition on for a long time as it could drain the battery. This will cause your BMW battery to die and you won’t be able to start the car without jump starting it. 

If you plan on keeping the igntion on for more than 10 mintues such as for diagnostics etc, connect a battery trickle charger to the jump termnails under the hood. 

Avoid using radio, heating and other accessories when the igintion is on and the car in not running.