Technical finesses thread. (BMW not-entirely-obvious tricks)

[NielsGalan]

I'll go first!

I love the fact, that I can close the sunroof from outside by holding the key in the "lock" position.

I love that the windshield wipers switch to intermittent mode when the car is standing still.

I learned yesterday how to program the timing for intermittant wiping mode on this forum. I didn't think I could adjust the interval and it was beginning to annoy the hell out of me. Switch from pos. 0 to 1 and right back to 0. Wait the desired time for the interval and return to pos. 1. Ingenious.

Are there any other tricks?

[shogun]

Just read the owners manual from time to time and you will always find something new
http://luuk.xs4all.nl/bmwboeken/bmwe34manual/

[Qsilver7]

I'll go first!

I love the fact, that I can close the sunroof and WINDOWS from outside by holding the key in the "lock" position.

I love that the windshield wipers switch to intermittent mode when the car is standing still.

I learned yesterday how to program the timing for intermittant wiping mode on this forum. I didn't think I could adjust the interval and it was beginning to annoy the hell out of me. Switch from pos. 0 to 1 and right back to 0. Wait the desired time for the interval and return to pos. 1. Ingenious.

Are there any other tricks?

I think one of the most obscure and forgotten is the heated door lock on the driver's side. If the temp is below a certain degree, and the doors have been locked for a certain amount of time...if you lift up and hold the driver's door handle for about 5 seconds...the lock cylinder will heat up for 20 seconds. You can do this 2 more times (if the lock is still frozen)...then you'll have to wait (I think) 40 minutes then you have 3 more chances again to thaw the lock.

Some BMWs also have a heated section of windshield below the windshield wiper's "parked" area...to keep them from freezing to the windshield. (this may be a 7 series feature, though)

ATC (adaptive transmission control) increases the transmission driving modes from 3 to 9 (only if you have a 1994-95 V8). Many owners are unaware of the "other 6 modes" that work unseen on their own. This was a big technical advancement to put into this type of vehicle...the following link explains it in detail: http://www.unofficialbmw.com/e34/spe...ive_trans.html

[Tcdoe]

Great thread! I'm learning a lot despite owning the car for some time now.

[NielsGalan]

Oh yeah. The lock heater. Forgot about that one. Just found out that worked a few weeks ago.

[shogun]

Hidden OBC features
http://home.iae.nl/users/bts/obc.htm

There is a key that will operate all locks. There is a valet key that only operates the ignition and door locks so that you can lock glove box and trunk with master key. Then give valet key to parking lot attendant. He or she will be able to lock/unlock car and use the ignition but not open the glove box or trunk.

Trunk:
you leave the trunk lock in this position (|)...the trunk will be "unlocked" when the doors are unlocked and "locked when the doors are locked. So if you are dropping someone off and they have stuff in the trunk...all they (or you) need to do is push the button in and the trunk will open. You can leave the car running and open the trunk without having to use the key.

If you leave the trunk lock in this position (–)...it will always be locked and you will have to use the key to unlock it. You should do this as well when you have items in the trunk and you are using leaving your car with a valet and you are giving them the valet key...the valet can unlock the door and start the car but won't have access to the trunk or glovebox.

(copied from various postings in archives)
------------------------------------------

doors automatically unlock in case of crash and lights in cabin go on, hazzard lights start automatically, fuel pump is turned off automatically.
So you do not have to worry about being upside down in a stream bed.
All initiated by the crash alarm sensor.
As for the kids:there are also 2 small switches inside the rear doors, and if you switch that on child lock, they cannot open the doors from inside.
Automatic window switches at rear doors can be switched off from drivers seat, so that kids cannot play around. Also in this case the switches at rear doors are not iluminated. Clever.
----------------------
I almost forgot the heated side-view mirrors

[632 Regal]

things I "just" learned...

I love that the windshield wipers switch to intermittent mode when the car is standing still.

ATC (adaptive transmission control)

There is a key that will operate all locks. There is a valet key that only operates the ignition and door locks

I dont think I have heated mirrors, isnt that an option that goes with heated seats and stuff?

[wengenstein]

One of my favorites is the alternate ASC+T mode; Hold down the ASC button for > 10 seconds and get ABS-assisted traction control but without reducing engine power.


Dennis

[Black 535i]

What was the heading for the topic that included all this yesteday?

One of my favorites is the alternate ASC+T mode; Hold down the ASC button for > 10 seconds and get ABS-assisted traction control but without reducing engine power.


Dennis

[bahnstormer]

my fav is the stomp mode...
stomp the gas 5 times and it'll show u the error
codes...

kinda goes hand in hand with the obc stuff

also u can have all teh guages test themselves too..
i thought that was neat =]