If you try to start the car with the clutch out, you will turn the key, see the dashboard lights come on, and hear... nothing. The engine will not crank. This is normal. Do not assume the battery is dead.

: Press and release the button located on the dashboard or near the steering column. Do not hold it down; a single press is enough to initiate the starting sequence. Starting with a Dead Key Fob

Once the engine is running, you can release the handbrake (parking brake) to prepare for driving.

For most manual 1 Series models, follow these steps to fire up the engine:

This is the most critical step for a manual transmission. Unlike many older economy cars, BMWs have a strict .

Unlike older manuals where you could start in neutral without touching the clutch, modern BMWs have a .